Authorities say foul play is not suspected in the death of 57-year-old Gary Don Ward, whose body was recovered from the Trinity River on July 21.
Ward’s death is believed to have been an accidental drowning, though investigators have not yet determined the exact circumstances.
According to Liberty County Sheriff’s Capt. David Meyers, preliminary autopsy results revealed no signs of trauma or foul play.
“There were no signs of any trauma to the body at all, which would indicate that he wasn’t beaten, shot, or thrown in the water,” Meyers said.
Investigators are awaiting toxicology results to determine if drugs, alcohol, or other factors contributed to Ward’s death.
Ward’s body was discovered floating in a remote area of the river by a railroad worker. Authorities had to use a boat to recover the body. The investigation remains ongoing.