Waveland Police Investigate Death of Elderly Man Found at Garfield Ladner Pier

Waveland, MS (BuzzReport)- In a developing story, the Waveland Police Department is actively investigating a death after a body was discovered in the water near the Garfield Ladner Pier on Monday evening.

According to Waveland Police Chief Mike Prendergast, a group of fishermen spotted the lifeless body floating in the water around 5:15 p.m. while casting lines on the rocks near the pier. Promptly, they alerted authorities, and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene.

A review of security footage from the nearby lighthouse revealed that the victim, identified as 71-year-old Bay St. Louis resident John Bickner, had waded into the water approximately an hour before the discovery of his body. Notably, the footage showed no visible signs of distress as he entered the water.

Hancock County Coroner Jeff Hair confirmed Bickner’s identity and stated that further investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. The Waveland Police Department is working diligently to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident.

The police department will provide updates as more details become available.This is an ongoing investigation.