Body found in Mississippi believed to be bridge jumper

BELLEVILLE, Ill. -- St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone says a body recovered from the Mississippi River near St. Louis is believed to be one of two people who jumped from a bridge.

Stone told the Belleville News-Democrat the body was spotted Thursday about a mile south of the Poplar Street Bridge that carries Interstate 64 over the river. Stone wouldn't release the person's identity because relatives hadn't been notified.

Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Matt Marler said two people jumped from the Eads Bridge at some point in July. It wasn't immediately clear when. Two men who had intended to do the same but changed their minds later reported the jump. The Eads bridge is just north of the Poplar Street Bridge.

Marler said the search for a second jumper continues.

Information from: Belleville News-Democrat, http://www.bnd.com