BERRIEN COUNTY —  A body was found in the St. Joseph River Monday night and is believed by police to be the body of a missing Kalamazoo canoer, who disappeared on the St. Joseph River.

Michael Scott, 35, was canoeing with friends on the river when he was last seen on July 21.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Dive team and Marine Division searched the St. Joseph River near Jasper Dairy Road where witnesses reported last seeing Scott.

An advanced aerial drone was used in the search, along with an underwater drone. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Dive team also searched the water. The search was considered high risk due to high water, fast flowing water and debris. Underwater visibility was low.

The search continued on Monday. At about 10:27 p.m., the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office was notified that some bow fisherman had located a body in the St. Joseph River near the Jasper Dairy boat ramp.  The bow fisherman was in a boat that had numerous high-power lights. These lights are designed to look deep into the water for fish.   

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Marine Division arrived on scene and were guided to the body by the bow fisherman.  The body was located approximately 200 yards south of Jasper Dairy boat ramp, partially visible above the water, in a tangle of trees and debris. The body was recovered, taken to shore, and transported by Medic 1 ambulance to the morgue at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.  The body of a white male matched the description and is believed to be Scott, police said. 

The body will be taken to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo to confirm identity    and for cause of death. 

The agencies involved include Berrien County Sheriff Marine, Dive Team, Victim Service Unit, and Chaplains.  Medic 1 Ambulance, Michigan DNR, Great Lakes Drone Company, and numerous volunteers.