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MISSING BLIND MAN FOUND
Body Found in River

Reported by: Send eMail Meredith Wood
Videographer: Jim Reed
Web Producer: Meredith Wood
Updated: December 16, 2008 10:23am

EYEWITNESS NEWS ONLINE VIDEO
C L I C K   T O   P L A Y


A tragic discovery in the Kanawha River, the body of Billy Turley, 35.

Jeremy Toney walked the river bank this morning in search of his friend.

That's when he made the sad discovery, Turley lying face down in the water.

Jeremy Toney, Found Turley, "It was pretty rough. I hated that my wife had to see it but I'm just glad the family has a little bit of closure."

Turley, who was blind, lived by himself in Smithers.

His body was found not far from his apartment.

Turley's family says despite his disability Turley knew his way around the area near his home and it would be very out of character for the him to wander off.

Bill Turley, Father, "Saturday night Billy was supposed to be taking out the trash. He disappeared right after that."

Turley's father says his son recently altered his medication and that might have affected him.

He talked with Eyewitness News just hours before the body was found, an emotional plea from a father for his son.

Bill Turley, "If anybody has seen him please call me."

Many in Smithers helped the police search for Turley; the discovery was the end no one wanted.

Sgt. Adam Roberts, "Especially this time of year it's not easy."

As a father of two young children, Toney says his heart aches for Billy Turley's family.

Jeremy Toney, "It's just absolutely bleeding for them I can't imagine stomaching the thought of losing one of my kids. It's just horrific."

Smithers Police don't think any foul play was involved, but they are waiting for the medical examiner to write up the report.

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