The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s officer is in the process of identifying the body of a man found floating in the Mississippi River on Tuesday afternoon.
A report from the medical examiner’s office said the victim was last seen on April 26 on the Washington Avenue Bridge — the same day and location that a witness reported seeing a man jump into the river.
The witness reported seeing a man on the bridge at about 3:30 a.m. When he returned a few minutes later, he saw the man preparing to jump. A brief scuffle ensued as the witness attempted unsuccessfully to prevent the man from jumping.
Cheryl Dudley, an investigator for the office, said they are fairly confident of the man’s identity and have notified his family. However, they are not releasing his name until a positive identification has been made.
“We’re pretty sure we know who it is,” she said. “But our policy is not to release further information until we’re absolutely positive and have concrete evidence.”
The body was found under the Franklin Avenue Bridge, on the west side of the river at about 6 p.m.
Dudley said the identity of the victim will most likely be released today.

–Tom Lopez