The Muscogee County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that 20-year-old Bryce Gulley of Phenix City died following an incident in the river near the Dillingham Street Bridge in Columbus.

A large law enforcement and first responder presence was reported at the bridge late Monday night, August 17, as crews conducted a search operation. Columbus Police Department cruisers and four-wheelers were on scene, along with multiple Columbus Fire & EMS apparatus, a fire department boat and drones. The bridge was also closed during the response.

The coroner’s office has determined Gulley’s cause of death was accidental drowning.

Gulley was found near the Columbus Trade and Convention Center and was pronounced deceased at 8:57 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan. His family was notified at the scene.

Gulley was a Phenix City resident and turned 20-years-old on August 17.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.