Family members said it was the body of Robert Lathrom, 52, that was recovered shortly before 10 a.m. today from the Kansas River.

Firemen searched in vain for him Tuesday evening near the spot where Lathrom’s body was found after it was reported by a passerby. A team of about eight emergency workers retrieved the corpse near the north bank of the Kansas River directly across from the Bowersock Dam about 50 yards east of the Kansas River bridge. It was in a rocky area favored by fishermen.

River searched for missing father (6-23-04) Headline News Lawrence report (6-23-04) See video from the site (6-23-04)

Lathrom, of rural Oskaloosa, had been fishing with family members Monday evening but did not return with the others after the outing. Relatives then searched the stream bank and said they found footprints from shoes they thought were Lathrom’s leading into the water. Relatives contacted police saying they were afraid Lathrom had accidentally fallen in or perhaps committed suicide.