Missing Metro Detroit Man Found Dead In Northern MI River: Sheriff

MASON COUNTY, MI — A missing Livonia man was found dead Friday afternoon in a Mason County river, according to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

Thomas Patrick Moran, 70, was found dead in the Pere Marquette River, roughly half a mile downstream from the Maple Leaf Access parking area, according to the sheriff's office.

Officials said Moran was vacationing in Lake County last Friday and did not return from a day of fly-fishing on the Pere Marquette River.

At 5:38 a.m. Friday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office contacted Mason/Oceana 911 regarding a missing person complaint, according to the sheriff's office.

Officials began searching for Moran and found his vehicle at the Maple Leaf Access parking area at 6:05 a.m., according to the sheriff's office.

After searching for roughly six hours, officials found Moran dead at 12:13 p.m. in the Pere Marquette River, according to the sheriff's office.

Officials were still investigating the incident, though they believe the death was accidental or medical in nature.