The body of a man was found under the Moffett Bridge in Sequoyah County early Wednesday (Aug. 7), according to sheriff’s deputies.
A woman walking along the Highway 64 overpass spotted the body near the Moffett stockyards around 7:15 a.m., according to Sequoyah County Undersheriff Roger Fuller
Authorities said no foul play is suspected, but they're sending the body to the state crime lab for an autopsy.
The man is in his 50s and is believed to be homeless. The undersheriff says they have identified the man but are looking for family to notify before releasing his name.
the sheriff's office is looking for family to notify before releasing his name.
While the cause of death is unknown at this time, Steve Martin, who stays at the Salvation Army, says hot temperatures can cause problems for homeless people.
"Extreme heat can have a big impact on your body, on your mind, on your health," he said.
He stressed the importance of staying hydrated.
"Even if you don't feel exhausted, just keep drinking water all day whether you feel like you need it or not,” he said. “It might not be too wise to consume alcohol because that dehydrates people."
Capt. Russell Clay with the Salvation Army in Fort Smith says they've been holding a fan drive and giving out fans to people in need this summer.
"The heat's out there, and it's just getting hotter, and we have people in the community that need these fans," Clay said.
The Salvation Army Diner also serves as a cooling station for those needing relief from the heat.
“So if people that don't have homes or are hot and can't get anywhere, we bring them in and set them inside the dining hall and we provide them with water to drink and let them get cooled down," he said.