The Cunningham family discerned that something was amiss in connection with the disappearance of their beloved Timothy Cunningham. Cunningham, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official, was last heard from about two months ago. 

Officials recently confirmed his death. On Tuesday, two fisherman saw a body in the Chattahoochee River and called 911, police told the Atlanta Constitution Journal. By Thursday, the Fulton County Medical Examiner reported that while Cunningham had drowned, no signs of foul play existed. The circumstances that led to drowning remain unclear. 

The CDC released a statement about Cunningham: 

CDR Timothy Cunningham’s colleagues and friends at CDC are deeply saddened to learn of his death. Tim was a treasured member of the CDC family and his work as an epidemiologist was invaluable to CDC’s efforts to protect the health, safety, and security of Americans.

… His research has been oriented towards understanding health differences related to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, and geography. CDR Cunningham also deployed for numerous public health emergency responses, including Superstorm Sandy, Ebola, and Zika…

Tim’s impact will be felt not only through his significant contributions to CDC’s mission, but also through his influence on the lives of his colleagues and friends. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.