PHILLIPS COUNTY, Ark. — An Arkansas man was discovered dead after his family reported him missing earlier this week.
According to the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, Edward Jones, 51, was found dead in a pond on Quapaw Trail in Helena.
His family reported him missing on Tuesday after he reportedly took off on a four-wheeler drunk. They discovered his body and the ATV on Thursday.
“He always complained about nobody loving him, so everybody tried to show him lots and lots of love,” said Brandon Jones, the victim’s nephew.
He said his uncle went by the nickname “Duke” and was a simple man who loved fishing and riding his four-wheeler.
“He was born in Elaine, raised on cotton fields,” Brandon Jones said. “Brought to these hills when he was about 15. When he was in his 30s he went to Alabama and came back. Stayed here for a good 15 years. And the four-wheeler got him.”
Brandon said he knew something was wrong Tuesday when Jones went out for a ride near his Phillips County home and didn’t return. Friends and family began a frantic search.
His uncle frequently rode in this area.
“All we can really picture is he was riding down by the edge of the pond and it got deep and the four-wheeler turned over,” Brandon said.
Jones’ brother, Paul Dorsett found his brother’s body Thursday while combing these woods with other volunteers.
“I thought the kids might have thrown something in there but I didn’t know,” he said. “I pulled down there to see what it was and it was him laying in the water.”
It’s unclear exactly how Jones died. His body has been sent to the Arkansas Medical Examiners Office.
Brandon Jones would like to know what caused his uncle’s death, here in the woods where he loved to spend his time.
“We live and die for a reason, so I guess he finally found his.”