Jefferson County, Arkansas – A Jefferson County man who was reported missing after going fishing at the Pine Bluff Arsenal has been found dead, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). The body of 63-year-old Ricky Wooten was recovered from the Arkansas River early Thursday morning following an extensive multi-agency search that began the previous evening.
Deputies and members of the JCSO Marine Patrol responded to the Arsenal shortly after dusk on Wednesday after receiving a report of a missing fisherman. Investigators determined that Wooten had entered the facility earlier in the day through the Plain View Gate, bringing along his truck and boat to spend time fishing in the river.
When law enforcement officers arrived, they found Wooten’s truck parked at the Arkansas River Access boat ramp with the trailer still attached, indicating that the boat had been launched but not retrieved. A short distance from the dock, his boat was located adrift with freshly caught fish still inside. Despite an immediate search of the surrounding area, there was no sign of Wooten.
The situation prompted a coordinated overnight effort involving multiple agencies, including the Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Department of Corrections K-9 Unit, and the White Hall Police Department. Specialized marine units from JCSO deployed multiple boats outfitted with side-scan sonar and live-scope underwater cameras to search the river.
The technology proved crucial to the recovery operation. Using live-scope imaging, search teams were able to locate Wooten’s body at approximately 7:59 a.m. Thursday morning. His remains were recovered from the water and transported to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Officials later confirmed that his next of kin had been notified.
“On behalf of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Ricky Wooten. Our deputies, investigators, along with other personnel worked with professionalism and urgency, employing advanced sonar and live-scope technology to bring Mr. Wooten home,” said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. “I am proud of their disciplined response and grateful for the teamwork shown throughout this difficult recovery. We ask our community to keep the Wooten family in your thoughts and to respect their privacy during this time.”
According to investigators, early findings suggest that Wooten may have suffered a medical emergency or possibly slipped while attempting to dock his boat after fishing. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the exact cause and manner of death remain undetermined. To ensure a thorough investigation, the sheriff’s office has requested through the coroner that Wooten’s body be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for a full autopsy.
While foul play is not suspected at this time, authorities said they will withhold further details until the medical examiner completes their report. “The investigation remains ongoing,” officials stated. “Updates will be provided as appropriate following the medical examiner’s determination.”
The recovery has weighed heavily on both law enforcement officers and members of the community. Sheriff Woods commended the teamwork displayed among the agencies that participated in the search, describing the operation as an example of how collaboration and modern technology can make a difference during critical incidents.
For many residents, Wooten’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with fishing alone, particularly in areas with deep currents and slippery surfaces near docks. Authorities urge boaters and anglers to take safety precautions such as wearing life vests, using non-slip footwear, and notifying family or friends of their fishing locations and return times.
As the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, community members have begun expressing sympathy for Wooten’s family, recalling him as a kind, outdoors-loving man who frequently fished along the Arkansas River. The JCSO has asked the public to give the family privacy as they grieve and await official findings from the state medical examiner.
The sheriff’s office said it will release additional information once the autopsy results are available, but for now, the focus remains on honoring Wooten’s life and offering support to those he left behind.
