Drowning victim's body found near Bessemer

BESSEMER, AL.
The body of James Batton, a 64-year-old man from Bessemer, was discovered in Shades Creek near I-459 Monday morning. Batton went fishing in Cahaba Creek off of Vulcan Road in McCalla on Friday, Oct. 14 and never came home, says the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Shades Creek

Batton's family members did not report him missing because it was not unusual for him to stay overnight on fishing trips. His family members went looking for him on Monday morning and discovered his body in a creek near the I-459 bridge over the creek.
Chief Deputy Randy Christian said the body was found around 11 a.m. away from Batton's fishing tools and vehicle. Authorities believe he fell down the embankment and then accidentally drowned. Foul play is not suspected in Batton's death, Christian said. The investigation is continuing.