UPDATE: Authorities recover body of Jackson County man missing in floodwaters

SEYMOUR, Ind. – Indiana Conservation Officers found the body of a Jackson County man who went missing in floodwaters around 7 a.m. on Friday.

Indiana Conservation Officers recovered the body of Bradley Deaton, 55, of Seymour at 2:20 p.m. on Sunday.   

Deaton was reported missing after a boat capsized in floodwater east of Cortland near County Road 400E and State Road 258. Several agencies responded to assist.

An initial investigation revealed that two individuals attempted to assist people stranded in a submerged vehicle when their airboat experienced mechanical issues and was forced under a nearby bridge by swift floodwater.

The airboat operator was able to self-rescue and get to safety. Deaton was last seen in the water downstream, where the boat capsized. Neither individual was wearing a life jacket.

Other agencies assisting were the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Emergency Medical Services, and the Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department.