Body of Missing 20-Year-Old Recovered Near Dauphin Island After Days-Long Search

Mobile County, AL (BuzzReport) — A somber discovery has brought an end to an intense multi-day search effort along the Mobile County coastline. Officials with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Sunday afternoon that the body of a young man reported missing last week has been recovered.

Authorities identified the victim as CJ Pitts, a 20-year-old resident of Grand Bay. Pitts was reported missing on April 30, 2026, after falling into the water near Cedar Point Pier under circumstances that prompted an urgent search and rescue response.

After days of coordinated efforts involving multiple agencies and volunteers, Pitts’ body was located earlier Sunday, May 3, approximately 50 yards offshore from West End Beach on Dauphin Island.

The recovery marks a tragic conclusion to a case that drew widespread attention across the region, as crews battled time, water conditions, and fading hope in their mission to locate the missing young man.

In a statement, Paul Burch acknowledged the collective effort behind the operation:

“On behalf of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the agencies and volunteers who participated in this search operation. Your dedication and tireless efforts during this difficult time have been deeply appreciated.”

Officials have not released additional details surrounding the circumstances of the incident. The focus now shifts to supporting the victim’s family as the community mourns a life lost too soon.