Sheriff: Body of missing Marion County man recovered from lake

MARION COUNTY, TX (KLTV) - A missing Marion County man's body was discovered in a vehicle pulled from Lake O' the Pines Wednesday afternoon.

According to Marion County Sheriff David McKnight, the body of Terry Evans, 40, of the Crestwood area on the lake was discovered when an SUV was pulled out of the lake.

Sherrif McKnight says on Tuesday the owner of Bullfrog Marina, Jerry Dubois, contacted their office to report a possible vehicle submerged near his boat ramp after several patrons reported concerns that their boat motors were striking a metallic object near the boat storage area.

Marina personnel attempted to drag the area to determine the type of object, and recovered possible human remains, according to the sheriff.

After the sheriff's office and officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife completed an initial investigation, they concluded that there was a submerged vehicle there.

The Texas Rangers were notified and a dive team and other recovery equipment and personnel were arranged. The vehicle with Evans' remains inside was recovered.

Evans was reported missing by a family member on July 26. The recovered vehicle, a 2005 Ford Expedition, matched the description of the vehicle Evans was last driving and was registered to him.

"Based on several factors, we do believe that the remains recovered are those of Terry Evans," McKnight stated.  "However, this case will remain open and under investigation, pending results of an autopsy, and any new information or evidence that emerges.

Also, based on information from family members, Evans was reported to be possibly suicidal at the time of his disappearance.  At this time, we see no information indicating anything otherwise, nor any indication of foul play".

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According to Sheriff McKnight, Evan's body was sent to American Forensics in Dallas for an autopsy.

The Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife assisted Marion County Sheriff's Department.

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