Vicksburg police investigate drowning at city waterfront

VICKSBURG, Miss. — The Vicksburg Police Department is investigating the drowning of a 36-year-old man after responding to reports late Tuesday that an individual had entered the Yazoo Diversion Canal and did not return, according to a department release.

Officers responded about 11 p.m. Tuesday to 1 City Waterfront and later identified the man as Demetrious Gibson of Port Gibson, Mississippi, the release said. Witnesses told investigators Gibson entered the water, returned to shore and then entered the water again and did not come back.

The Vicksburg Fire Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from Ergon assisted at the scene, and dive teams from the fire department and the sheriff’s office recovered Gibson from the canal about 5 a.m. Wednesday, the release said.

The Vicksburg Police Department said the incident remains under investigation and extended condolences to Gibson’s family, friends and loved ones in the release. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.