Harrison County investigating discovery of body on Cat Island

Harrison County Sheriff’s Office announced the discovery of a body on Cat Island.

Sheriff Matt Haley said fishermen contacted the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday after finding the man along the southeast shoreline of Cat Island.

Harrison County Marine Patrol and the Harrison County Coroner’s Office went to the island to retrieve the body and found the man, who was wearing long grey pants, boots, a white shirt and jean jacket.

Deputy Coroner Ben Bentz identified the man as 47-year-old Willie Hall of Georgia. Bentz said family hadn’t been in contact with Hall for about a month, so they did not know why he was on the Coast.

He said it is believed that Hall drifted with the tides and currents until he washed up on Cat Island.

The man was taken to the state Crime Lab. An autopsy was performed this morning and no foul play is suspected. The cause of death has not been determined pending toxicology reports.

If anyone has information regarding the man’s death, please contact Sheriff’s Office at 228-897-1364.