MAN FOUND DEAD ON THE RIVER BRIDGE

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- A 21-year-old Cape Girardeau man was the victim of what Alexander County Coroner David Barkett said could be a hit-and-run fatality. The man was struck sometime early Sunday morning on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River bridge here.

Barkett identified the victim as Thomas Powell of Cape Girardeau.

"We're not sure of his address," said Barkett. "He wasn't living at the address listed on his driver's license."

Barkett said the man's grandfather was located at his home in rural Greenville, Mo., about 11 a.m. Sunday.

"We found that his parents were in West Germany."

Powell's body was discovered on the bridge about 3 a.m. Sunday, when two different motorists saw him on the roadway, according to Illinois State Police.

The report indicates the two vehicles were traveling west across the bridge, enroute to Cape Girardeau.

"Following my initial investigation, we're leaving the verdict open until I have more information," said Barkett. "But, it appears that the two motorists who stopped did not strike the body.

"I have ordered an autopsy and should have the report here within 24 to 48 hours," he said. "We will schedule an inquest as soon as we have all the information."

Barkett added that an accident reconstruction officer is assisting in the investigation.