Coroner confirms body found on Bayview Lake is missing kayaker

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - UPDATE: The body recovered on Bayview Lake Sunday afternoon was that of 34-year-old Richard Fields, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

Fields was reported missing Jan. 30 after not returning from a fishing trip on the prior Saturday.

The circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Original Story: Police have recovered a body on Bayview Lake that they believe to be that of a man missing since late January.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of a number of other agencies, located the body at around 3 p.m. on Sunday. Authorities believe it to be that of 34-year-old Richard Fields.

Fields was reported missing Jan. 30 after not returning from a fishing trip on the prior Saturday.

Police say the body has been transferred to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s office to perform an autopsy to confirm the identity and cause of death.

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