Clayton County Authorities Identify Body Recovered from River

Authorities have identified the man whose body was recovered from the Mississippi River in Clayton County on Saturday.

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Officer, has identified the man as 41-year-old Neven Soknic, who was reported missing last Wednesday, July 9th. Soknic’s body was discovered in the river by fishermen north of the Cassville ferry landing.

Soknic’s vehicle was found last Wednesday morning near the Turkey River Mounds State Preserve on Estes Point Road in rural Guttenberg. Authorities determined a short time later that Soknic had been reported missing in Waterloo. Emergency crews, including the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Guttenberg Police Department, and Guttenberg Fire Department, conducted a search of the immediate area, supported by drone surveillance covering difficult-to-access terrain. Despite their efforts, there were no confirmed sightings of Neven. The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office had urged residents in the area of Turkey River Mound State Preserve to check their properties, including outbuildings and surveillance footage, for any potential clues or sightings.

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday that a body had been found in the Mississippi River, with the public speculating it was Soknic. It was confirmed Monday night.

The cause and manner of Soknic’s death remain under investigation. An autopsy was performed by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office, with preliminary findings pending toxicology results. 

Authorities do not suspect any foul play at this time.