Authorities find preliminary cause of death for body found in river

CRAIGHEAD COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) - The Arkansas State Medical Examiner’s Office has found a preliminary cause of death for a man found in the St. Francis River in March, according to Craighead County Chief Deputy Justin Rolland.

Rolland said the preliminary cause of death for Lesslie Blagg was drowning and that the investigation into the death continues.

The Craighead County Sheriff’s Office said in March that they felt confident that the man found in the St. Francis River on March 24 was Blagg.

Deputies have been investigating the case after the discovery of the body in the river.

The body was discovered at Highbanks Landing in Monette on March 24.

Eastern Deputy Sheriff Garland Tipton said in March this may be connected to a case where a family reported their loved one missing on Saturday.

A deputy was patrolling in the area when he discovered the vehicle that belonged to the missing person.

The Craighead County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sent boats to go down the river to recover a body they believed to be the missing person.

At the time, Tipton said they do not suspect foul play.

“We’re just telling people don’t worry about it,” Tipton said. “It’s nobody running around or anything like that. It’s just an isolated incident.”

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