HRS Recovers Body of Missing Student

By Jeremy Wise
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 | 6:04 PM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=264

The Haleyville Rescue Squad recovered the body of a University of Alabama in Huntsville student missing in Smith Lake since March 27. The remains of Michael Stutler, 21, were pulled from the water on Monday afternoon, about 4:25 p.m.

Divers from several law enforcement organizations had searched for Stutler's body since the canoe he was in capsized. The Smith Lake Task Force, Hoover police divers, Haleyville Rescue Squad and Alabama Marine Police were on the scene when the body was located.

The search was complicated by water depth, as well as standing trees that have remained on the man-made lake’s floor since it was formed. The use of the Rescue One boats, drag equipment and a new side-scan underwater imager aided in the location and recovery of the body. Stutler's body was transported to a forensic lab in Huntsville for autopsy.

HRS wants to remind everyone to wear a floatation device whenever on the water.