News Summary
An investigation is underway following the discovery of a body in the Savannah River. The remains, identified as 73-year-old Ronald Bruce Hagar, were found near Ursula Island. Authorities are working to determine the cause of death, and the public has been urged to assist with any information related to the incident, especially concerning safety around local waterways.
Savannah, Georgia – An investigation is underway after a body was discovered in the Savannah River early Thursday morning. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) was alerted to the scene at approximately 7:30 a.m., where firefighters were called to remove the unidentified remains from the water in the 1800 block of Lock and Dam Road.
Coroner Mark Bowen declared the official time of death as 8:40 a.m. While the authorities have scheduled an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death, additional details about the incident have begun to emerge.
The body was found near Ursula Island, roughly two days after a sheriff’s deputy successfully rescued a father and son from drowning at a boat ramp near Augusta Regional Airport on Father’s Day. This prior incident highlights the potential dangers present in the area, raising questions about safety in the region’s waterways.
Further developments indicate that the deceased has been identified as 73-year-old Ronald Bruce Hagar, a resident of Shreveport, Louisiana. Hagar’s remains were located at approximately 10:25 a.m. on Sunday, January 5. A distinctive tattoo on Hagar’s left bicep played a crucial role in facilitating his quick identification.
As the investigation continues, the cause of Hagar’s death remains undetermined pending the results of the upcoming autopsy. In an effort to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding his passing, authorities are actively encouraging the public to come forward with any pertinent information. Individuals wishing to provide tips can do so anonymously through the Chatham County Police Department app or via an online tip form. Furthermore, tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020, with potential cash rewards available for valuable information.
This tragic event underscores the importance of safety and vigilance around local waterways. The Savannah River has seen its share of incidents, and the community is urged to remain cautious. The RCSO and other local authorities remain dedicated to determining the circumstances of Hagar’s death and providing closure to his family.
The findings of the autopsy will be critical in piecing together the events leading to this unfortunate discovery. Community members are encouraged to stay aware of updates regarding the investigation, as authorities continue to actively pursue leads and gather evidence.
Anyone with knowledge regarding Ronald Bruce Hagar or the events leading up to his death is urged to assist investigators in shedding light on this incident. Public cooperation is essential in resolving cases of this nature.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Police Vehicles Collide While Responding to Burglary Call
Georgia Power Acquires Major Warehouse for $112 Million
Nautical Boat Club Launches New Location on Wilmington Island
Hurricane Erin Triggers Beach Safety Warnings in Savannah
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen Introduces Tubby’s Seafood Brand
Gas Prices in Georgia Show Stability Despite Market Fluctuations
Georgia Power Successfully Demolishes Stack Structures
Exploring Savannah’s Rich History and Culture
Traffic Disruptions Due to Road Closures in Savannah
Savannah City Council Approves New Alcohol Licenses
Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Autopsy Set After Unidentified Augusta Body Found
- Statesboro Herald: Body of Missing Boater Found in Savannah River
- WSAV: Police Seek to ID Body Recovered from Savannah River
- Wikipedia: Savannah River
- Google Search: Savannah body found
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
