Divers find body of missing University of Alabama student, police say. ‘Tragic loss’
Update: Divers searching for missing University of Alabama student Garrett Walker found his body around 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, according to the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
“We’re heartbroken for Garrett’s family and friends, as well as everyone in the Tuscaloosa and UA communities who are mourning this tragic loss,” police said.
The University of Alabama added that the community is “heartbroken” by the loss. The school’s Counseling Center is available to students who need help at 205-348-3863.
Original Story
A college student vanished — and clothes found in an Alabama river may belong to him, media outlets reported.
Garrett Walker, a junior at the University of Alabama, was reported missing Sunday, Nov. 7, after his cellphone was discovered near the Riverwalk, a path along the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa, according to The Tuscaloosa News.
The 20-year-old was last seen shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday at The Gray Lady bar on Greensboro Avenue, WIAT and other news outlets reported. The business is roughly a half mile from the riverfront.
While investigating, officials reportedly found clothes in the Black Warrior River. Stephanie Taylor, a police department spokesperson, told AL.com those items are likely Walker’s.
Crews are looking for Walker and planned to search the area near the river early Monday, multiple news outlets reported. Anyone with information about the missing 20-year-old is asked to call police at 205-349-2121.
The college student is from Maryland and is described as a 5-foot, 8-inch white man with dark hair who weighs about 160 pounds. He was wearing a “light gray Alabama collared shirt and a dark gray flannel with jeans” before he disappeared, according to The Crimson White student news outlet.
A Tuscaloosa Police Department representative didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for information about the disappearance on Monday morning.
This story was originally published November 8, 2021 at 9:10 AM with the headline "Divers find body of missing University of Alabama student, police say. ‘Tragic loss’."
