The authorities managed to partially solve the mysterious disappearance of the centers for disease control and prevention employee with the discovery of his body. But they may not know how he drowned in the river near his home.
Fishermen found the body of Timothy Cunningham on Tuesday, partially submerged in water and mud on the Western Bank of the Chattahoochee river in Atlanta fire-rescue Department spokesman Sergeant Cortez Stafford said at a press conference.
Chief medical examiner Fulton County Jan Gornyak Zheleznogorsk determined the cause of death was drowning, but said he could not provide additional information because she was still waiting for the toxicology reports.
“Because the investigation is ongoing, we do not have … whether it was an accident, suicide, or anything other than” Cunningham drowned, “miner” Zheleznogorsk said Thursday at a press conference.
Mayor Michael O’connor of Atlanta police major crimes section, said Thursday that investigators talked to everyone about the importance and that barring any new information, “in this case, probably pretty soon close”.
Cunningham, 35, was an epidemiologist at the Atlanta Federal Agency. He disappeared Feb. 12. His family reported him missing in February. 16 after going to his house and find his clothes and car are.
His family released a statement on Thursday evening to thank the investigators and rescuers, media reported.
“We appreciate all the time, attention and professionalism you contributed, we were looking for our beloved son and brother, Timothy Cunningham,” the statement said. “We sincerely thank all of you for the support and the kindness you have shown our family during this difficult time.”
Rescuers had to use boats and special equipment to achieve the body of Cunningham after it was discovered on Tuesday, because it was in a remote location in a “remote area, not easily accessible,” said Stafford. He noted that the body was found in an area authorities searched for in February, finding nothing. The site was not far from the house of Cunningham, O’connor said.
Said Gornyak Zheleznogorsk the decomposing body was identified using dental records.
Earlier, the police said they had no evidence of foul play, but do not rule. Civil group of crime fighters has offered a reward of $ 15,000 for the information, indicating any criminal activity.
CDC officials also said earlier that the Message Cunningham was transferred to advance was wrong. In a statement, the CDC said Cunningham received the “exceptional advancement of knowledge” July 1 in the position of commander, started the promotion reflecting his perfection as a worker.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
