Update: Body found in Cape Fear River

A boater made a startling discovery Tuesday afternoon. A body was discovered floating in the Cape Fear River near the battleship around 5:00 p.m.

Firefighters pulled out the body across the river from the convention center construction site.

Sheriff’s detectives have confirmed the identity of the body to be Robert Delford Brown, 78 years old of Wilmington. The medical examiner has concluded there was no sign of trauma and detectives do not suspect foul play. The cause of death has been ruled an accidental drowning. The family has been notified.

Brown was a well-known artist in the area, who had his first one-man exhibit at the Cameron Art Museum. His friends describe him as ahead of his time, a man who was involved in the major art movements of the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s.