Officials ID body of missing kayaker

Authorities have identified the body of a missing kayaker found near the Jim Simpson Pier in Long Beach on Friday.

Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove said the man was Wilberto Mendoza, 43, of Long Beach.

Rescue crews responded to the area after a passer-by noticed a dog swimming in the water. They found an empty kayak nearby, said Long Beach Fire Chief Mike Brown.

Witnesses reported seeing a kayaker in the water earlier Friday and Mendoza's body was found around 5 p.m.

Hargrove said the cause of death was drowning and ruled the death an accident.

This story was originally published March 5, 2016 at 12:43 PM with the headline "Officials ID body of missing kayaker ."