Body found on banks of Chattahoochee

The badly decomposed body of 54-year-old Duluth was found on the banks of the Chattahoochee River Monday evening, according to Johns Creek police. He died of natural causes, said police.

Capt. Brian Weaver, head of the city's Criminal Investigations Division, said a fisherman discovered the body of David M. Holcomb around 5:30 p.m. near Abbots Bridge Road where the river separates Johns Creek and Duluth. He immediately called police.

"It was right there close to the bank," said Weaver. "He'd been there a while, maybe a few weeks."

Holcomb's body underwent an autopsy early Tuesday morning, said Weaver, and the Fulton County medical examiner concluded Holcomb died of natural causes.

"There were no signs of foul play," said Weaver. "Mr. Holcomb had an extensive medical history."

Weaver said Holcomb had been diagnosed with cancer and had recently gotten out of the hospital. Holcomb's family reportedly told police he enjoyed fishing on the banks of the river.

"Maybe he passed down there due to his medication, and nobody saw him down there until yesterday," said Weaver.

However, he said, Holcomb's family did not report the man missing despite the fact he'd been down at the river's banks for what appeared to be at least two weeks based on his level of decomposition.

"I can't explain it," said Weaver. "Maybe he goes off down there for long periods of time. There are no signs of foul play, so there's nothing for us to go on.

"It could have been hypothermia, it could have been anything. He's been down there a long time."

Sphere: Related Content