The Clark County Sheriff’s Office announced the recovering of the body of Matthew McDonald Friday morning at 7:45 a.m.
The sheriff’s office says the recovery comes on the 19th day of the search and recovery operation, which included multiple agencies and volunteers.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office says the Jacksonville man was swimming and began to call for assistance as witnesses say he was in distress. Individuals attempted to rescue MacDonald and return him to the safety of the boat, but were unable to do so. MacDonald submerged and was not seen again.
Agencies involved in the initial response and ongoing recovery efforts include: Clark County Sheriff’s Office; Caddo Valley Fire and Rescue; Arkansas Game & Fish; Arkansas State Parks; U.S. Corps of Engineers; Amity Fire and Rescue; Arkansas State Police; Arkadelphia Fire and Rescue; Arkadelphia Police Department; and other volunteers.
MacDonald was attending a church outing with family and friends at a location southwest of the Caddo Bend Recreational Area.