Cause of victim's drowning death confirmed in preliminary autopsy

A preliminary autopsy report shows the cause of death was drowning for a man who was swept away Wednesday in the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton said.

Ronald Silavent, 30, of Cape Girardeau was swimming to a dike in the river when he went under the water and did not resurface, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The autopsy was completed Thursday afternoon, Clifton said, and no foul play is suspected.

The final autopsy report will be available in a few weeks.

Authorities at the scene said Silavent was swimming with a friend near Trail of Tears State Park. One of the men made it to the bank, when he heard Silavent yelling for help. He was last seen near the boat dock.

Emergency responders were dispatched about 4:15 p.m., but Silavent went missing about 2:45 p.m. Authorities said they're not sure why they were not contacted sooner.

The East County Fire Protection District, Department of Natural Resources, Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department and the highway patrol responded to the scene, and boats were launched to search for the man.

The sheriff's office reported Silavent's body was found at 8:47 p.m. by the Missouri State Water Patrol. The coroner pronounced Silavent dead at the scene.

Pertinent address:

Trail of Tears State Park, Cape Girardeau, Mo.