UPDATE: Rescuers recover man’s body in Appomattox River

Colonial Heights and Chesterfield County authorities this afternoon recovered the body of a man who was believed to have drowned in the Appomattox River after he slipped while wading with his nephew.

Authorities received a call about 1:15 p.m. about a swimmer in distress at a river access area off Archer Avenue in Archer Park in Colonial Heights, officials said. The Chesterfield Fire & EMS was called to assist in recovery efforts. The body of the man, who was not immediately identified, was found about 4 p.m.

The victim was described as a man in his 30s. He was apparently wading in the river with a 10-year-old nephew on his shoulders when he slipped and fell into a deeper spot, said Lt. Matt Coffin. The river is eight to 12 feet deep in that area.

The boy was able to swim safely to shore.

The drowning occurred near where a Colonial Heights High School teen drowned last September. William Shields, 16, disappeared while swimming with friends Sept. 8.