FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Mari'Neisha Hardrick

Office: (870) 541-5351 

Email: mhardrick@jeffersoncountyarsheriff.gov 

MISSING MAN'S BODY FOUND IN RIVER:  Jefferson County, Arkansas - October 16, 2025 - Deputies, investigators, and members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) Marine Patrol responded just after dusk on yesterday evening to the Pine Bluff Arsenal regarding a missing person report. The individual was identified as Ricky Wooten, 63, who had checked in at the Arsenal's Plain View Gate with his truck and boat to fish.

Upon arrival, investigators located Mr. Wooten's truck parked at the Arkansas River Access boat ramp with the boat trailer still attached. His boat-containing freshly caught fish-was found a short distance off the dock with no sign of Mr. Wooten.

As part of coordinated rescue and recovery efforts involving personnel from the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game & Fish, Arkansas Department of Corrections K-9 Unit, White Hall Police Department, JCSO Investigators deployed multiple boats equipped with side-scan sonar and live-scope underwater camera capabilities to scan the river. Using live scope, teams located Mr. Wooten at approximately 7:59 a.m. this morning. His body was recovered and transported to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. Next of kin has been notified.

Preliminary findings suggest Mr. Wooten may have suffered a medical emergency and/or lost his footing while attempting to dock his boat after fishing. Out of an abundance of caution and to determine the official cause and manner of death, JCSO has requested-through the Coroner-the submission of Mr. Wooten's body to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for a full autopsy. No additional details are being released at this time pending the medical examiner's report.

"On behalf of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Ricky Wooten. Our deputies, investigators, along with other personnel worked with professionalism and urgency, employing advanced sonar and live-scope technology to bring Mr. Wooten home," said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. "I am proud of their disciplined response and grateful for the teamwork shown throughout this difficult recovery. We ask our community to keep the Wooten family in your thoughts and to respect their privacy during this time."

The investigation remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as appropriate following the medical examiner's determination.