Search efforts transitions to recovery operation for missing city employee, multiple agencies assist in aggressive search for other missing man

ALBANY, Ga. – First responders gave us an update on the search for 36-year-old Darrious Stephens, and it’s unfortunately not a good one.

After more than two weeks since Stephens first went missing on the banks of the Flint River, first responders say that the search for Stephens has turned into a recovery mission.

Albany Fire Chief Cedric Scott says they’re going to continue searching the Flint River to recover Stephens as well as continue their search for 23-year-old Cameron Jones who reportedly ran into the Flint River on Monday.

As well they discussed how large the search radius has become with multiple counties south of Albany searching the Flint to aid in the recovery effort.

“…We’ve located and talked to our partners down river from us. They’ve been out looking in their areas too. So, the search area has been extended greatly from that area we talked about initially. That four mile radius we talked about in our initial search, it’s been expanded greatly to include our partners down river as well who have been checking their spots and locations…” said Chief Cedric Scott, Albany Fire Department (AFD).

“We want to again extend our condolences and our prayers to the families as they work to come through this really trying time. This is a really trying time for our community…” said Steven Carter, Albany City Manager.

While the search for Darrious Stephens is transitioning to a recovery effort, first responders are going to be aggressively ramping up search efforts to try and find Jones.

With Chief Scott putting emphasis on the help they’ve received from surrounding counties and other agencies.

Stay with CBS 44 South Georgia for further updates on the investigation.

Brian Roche reporting.

Copyright 2024 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.