Searchers Recover Body Of UA Student Missing Since Sunday

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Police have confirmed that the body of 20-year-old Garrett Walker was recovered Tuesday afternoon around 4 p.m., which follows two days of searching after he went missing early Sunday morning.

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The Tuscaloosa Police Department provided few other details in its initial announcement, apart from saying the body had been positively identified as Walker's by his family.

Walker was first reported missing by his family Sunday afternoon and the search focused on the area of the river near the location of the former Bama Belle along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. He was last seen alive on Greensboro Avenue at The Grey Lady at 1:15 a.m. Sunday.

His phone and later some clothing items were discovered in the area where the search focused, according to police.

In a statement following the news, UA President Stuart Bell said of the aerospace engineering major: "Our University of Alabama community is heartbroken by the loss of our student, Garrett Walker. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with his family, friends and loved ones as we mourn his passing. The UA counseling center is available for those affected by the mournful news of his passing."

As Patch reported earlier on Tuesday, a GoFundMe was established by Walker's family to collect reward money for information concerning his whereabouts. As of the publication of this article Tuesday evening, the GoFundMe — in less than 24 hours — has raised $36,626.

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