Body found in Catawba River identified as missing Charlotte man

A body found in the Catawba River off the Interstate 85 bridge near the Mecklenburg/Gaston County line last week has been identified by police as 56-year-old Eric Byers, who was reported missing on January 4.

Officials say the 911 call came in at 1:29 p.m. after someone spotted a body floating in the river. Firefighters and police responded to the scene to recover the victim.

Byers’ family contacted police on January 4 after finding Byers’ unoccupied vehicle on I-85 northbound near the Catawba River, where he was found, Family members said they last heard from Byers the night before.

Police searched the area after Byers was reported missing but did not immediately locate him.

Police say the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call detectives at 704-432-TIPS.