Hopewell, Virginia – The community is in shock following the tragic discovery of 61-year-old Donald Avery Stokes’ body in the Appomattox River on Tuesday morning. Authorities from the Hopewell Police Department responded to a distress call from Hopewell Telecommunications at approximately 9:10 a.m. on August 20, reporting a body floating near Water Street and Pecan Avenue.
Upon arrival, local police and Marine Police units swiftly recovered Stokes, a Chesterfield County resident, from the river. Despite immediate efforts to revive him, Stokes was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving many in the community devastated.
The cause of Stokes’ death is currently unknown and is pending an autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s office. The circumstances leading to his untimely demise remain unclear, prompting the Hopewell Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit to launch a thorough investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could shed light on Stokes’ death to contact the Hopewell Police Department’s investigations unit at 804-541-2284. Even the smallest detail could be crucial in determining what led to this tragic incident.
The investigation continues, with officials determined to uncover whether foul play was involved or if it was a tragic accident. The Hopewell community remains hopeful that answers will soon emerge, bringing some clarity and closure to Stokes’ grieving family and friends.
As the investigation progresses, local law enforcement stresses the importance of public cooperation in resolving this somber case, calling on residents to come forward with any information that could aid in the inquiry.