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Body of Missing Man Found in Creek Near Alpena

The search for a missing man ends with the discovery of his body in a creek. 

The complete release is below from Boone County Sheriff Roy Martin:

Sheriff Roy Martin reports that on 11/06/2024 the Boone County Sheriff's Department was notified of a missing person identified as 47 year old Jacob Wayne Stephens of Alpena. Information reported was that Stephens was believed to have left his home on Tuesday afternoon, traveling back roads on a four wheeler towards Alpena. Stephens four wheeler was discovered overturned in a swollen creek near a low water slab located near the intersection of Terrapin Creek Rd. and Carroll County Rd. 917.

Carroll County and Boone County Search and Rescue was activated along with personnel with the Arkansas Game and Fish, Harrison Police, Boone and Carroll County Sheriff's Department all coordinated together in efforts to find Stephens. Sheriff Martin regrets to report that Stephens was found deceased approximately 1500 yards downstream by the Carroll County Search and Rescue team. At this time the death appears accidental however the body will be submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for confirmation as to the cause of death.

The Sheriff warns the public that people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers or ignore that a road is flooded. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

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