Search crews continue looking for 2 men in Flint River

Albany Public Works employee 36-year-old Darrious Stephens went missing on Monday, Feb. 12, and 23-year-old Cameron Jones went missing on Monday, Feb. 26.

ALBANY, Ga. – First responders are continuing their search for a 23-year-old who reportedly walked into the Flint River on Monday.

For the second time in nearly three weeks, Albany first responders are out on the Flint River, this time searching for 23-year-old Cameron Jones.

While today’s search has been called, it’s the third time in nearly as many weeks that a person has gone missing in an Albany body of water…

Leading first responders to wonder what needs to be done to prevent further disappearances.

Albany Fire Chief Cedric Scott and Albany Police Chief Michael Persley met with us during Tuesday’s search efforts to discuss any progress.

“We have quite a bit of resources today, both from the City of Albany, as well as Lee County here as well. We have representatives also from the Americus area, and Perry as well here helping us today. Along with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR)…” said Chief Cedric Scott, Albany Fire Department (AFD).

The disappearance of 23-year-old Cameron Jones, following the disappearance of 36-year-old Albany Public Works employee Darrious Stephens in roughly the same area along the river has first responders scratching their heads as they wonder what else can be done.

We asked Police Chief Michael Persley about the possibility of having police at these parks to keep an eye on people near the river.

“We have to look at the feasibility of what would that even look like, if that’s the course of action. I think the other part we need to look at is: one, this is a public safety issue. So, we need to push out more meetings on education and awareness about water safety,” said Chief Michael Persley, Albany Police Department (APD).

However, the disappearance of Jones Monday is continuing a concerning pattern as first responders continue their searches on the Flint.

“Our hearts continue to go out to these families. For the person we were able to find, and now these two families who are still awaiting answers and we’re committed to trying to do that. But, it’s just been a sad time in our community over the last few weeks. And, our heart and prayers go out to these families,” said Chief Scott.

The search was called for the day just around 5:30 p.m. with first responders not finding Jones.

They’re working with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) who closed the Flint River dam just a few miles up from here to try and lower the water levels as they continue the search on Wednesday.

We hope to have an update on the search as soon as first responders are able to.

Brian Roche reporting.

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