Dedric Brown Obituary and Cause of Death: Missing Eastaboga Boater Recovered from Hillabee Reservoir

EASTABOGA, Ala. — The search for Dedric L. Brown, a 54-year-old Eastaboga man who went missing while boating on Hillabee Reservoir, ended Wednesday with the recovery of his body from the Calhoun County waterway.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Brown was last seen at approximately 7:30 a.m. Monday, September 7, while operating an aluminum jon boat on Hillabee Reservoir. He was reported unaccounted for around noon that day, prompting a search involving marine patrol officers, rescue personnel and other assisting agencies. (WBMA)

The search continued for more than two days before a group from Christian Aid Ministries located Brown’s body at approximately 2:10 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities said he was found about 26 feet beneath the surface, within the initial search area. A dive team subsequently recovered his body roughly 28 minutes after it was located. (WBMA)

Brown’s recovery brings an end to the immediate search operation, but questions surrounding what happened on the reservoir remain. ALEA Marine Patrol troopers are continuing their investigation into the boating incident, and authorities have not publicly announced a definitive cause or circumstance of death. (WBMA)

That distinction is important. While Brown’s body was recovered following the boating incident, the available official information does not establish whether his death resulted from drowning, a medical emergency, an accident involving the vessel, or another circumstance. Until investigators or the appropriate medical authorities release additional findings, those possibilities should not be presented as fact.

For Eastaboga, the disappearance and recovery have brought a painful conclusion to a search that began Monday. Brown’s family and those who knew him are now facing the loss while authorities work to establish what occurred during his final hours on Hillabee Reservoir.

The recovery also reflects the efforts of the numerous people involved in the search. Marine patrol personnel, rescue teams and Christian Aid Ministries all contributed to the operation that ultimately located and recovered Brown.

At the time of reporting, no confirmed cause of death had been publicly released. Further information may become available as the investigation and any required medical examination are completed.

Dedric L. Brown, 54, of Eastaboga, Alabama, is remembered following his death after he went missing while operating a boat on Hillabee Reservoir. His death has left his family and community mourning while authorities continue working to determine exactly what happened. (WBMA)