Authorities Identify Iowa River Drowning Victim

Written by B.A. Morelli

Update 6:53 p.m.

According to KCRG authorities have released the identity of the man who drowned this morning in the Iowa River.

The victim was identified Wednesday afternoon as Perry John Graham, 54.

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Graham was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. An autopsy is pending.

Update at 2:27 p.m.

Iowa City Police Sgt. Denise Brotherton said the death is being treated as an accident.

She said it is not uncommon for people who live under the bridge to cool off in the water on a hot day. The temperature has been in the 90s today coupled with blistering sun. 

The man's name is not being released pending notification of family. 

Authorities recovered the body not far from where witnesses said the man went under, and the river was not moving especially fast, although rivers are considered dangerous. 

Update at 12:49 p.m.

Authorities pulled a body from the Iowa River near Riverside Drive and Highway 6 at around 12:30 p.m. today.

The man went under the water and didn't come back up earlier this morning. Acquaintances went to a nearby business to contact authorities.

Sgt. Denise Brotherton said the man is recognized as someone who lives under the bridge.

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Multiple news outlets are reporting that law enforcement has responded to the Iowa River for a rescue after a man fell into the water.

We'll add more details to the story as they become available.