Poca River drowning victim identified as missing man

UPDATE (3:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 2): The man who drowned in the Poca River has been identified as someone who was reported missing.

According to Sheriff Bobby Eggleton, Joseph Thomas, 57, of Poca, was last seen on April 30 in a kayak on the Poca River. When he didn’t return home, his ex-wife filed a missing persons report.

Bystanders saw Thomas’ body floating in the Poca River and called it in. The Poca Volunteer Fire Department and detectives with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office moved the body to the Raymond City Boat Ramp, where they removed Thomas from the water.

Deputies were unable to find a life preserver or the kayak. They presume the kayak flipped, and with nothing to keep him afloat, Thomas drowned.

No foul play is suspected, Sheriff Eggleton said.

UPDATE (1:05 p.m. on Thursday, May 2): Authorities have confirmed that a person has drowned in the Poca River. The body has been recovered.

No further information about the person or the incident has been released at this time. This is a developing story.

PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — Crews are investigating a possible drowning in the Poca River, according to Putnam County Sheriff Bobby Eggleton.

Sheriff Eggleton says it happened in Poca where the Poca River meets the Kanawha River.

This is a developing story. 13 News has a crew on its way to the scene and we will continue to update you as more information becomes available.

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