Rock Island, IL – A missing East Moline man has been identified after a multi-agency search and recovery effort following a reported drowning incident on the Mississippi River near Campbell’s Island last week.
Edward J. Fisher, of East Moline, was confirmed as the victim discovered Saturday after he was initially reported missing during a July 24 water rescue near Kay Island, according to a release issued Wednesday by the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson, Fisher’s body was recovered by the Rock Island Arsenal Police Department on Saturday and positively identified on Wednesday. The Sheriff’s Office said Fisher was the last unaccounted individual from the incident, which involved multiple people entering the water before emergency crews were called at 6:39 p.m. that Thursday.
Agencies from across the Quad Cities and beyond responded to assist in the search, including East Moline, Moline, Hampton, and Bettendorf fire departments, Illinois State Police, Illinois Conservation Police, Big River Rescue and Recovery, Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue, and MercyOne Ambulance. On Friday, additional help came from the Illinois and Iowa Departments of Natural Resources.
Despite extensive efforts using equipment and search techniques both on land and in the water, Fisher was not located during the initial two-day operation.
While the investigation remains ongoing, authorities stated that no criminal activity is suspected at this time. The Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to Fisher’s family and friends and noted that no further comments will be made.
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