Staff reports

A man’s body was found floating in the Choctawhatchee Bay Friday after callers spotted an unattended car parked and running on the Mid-Bay Bridge between Destin and Niceville. The victim has been identified as William Richey, 66, an interior designer and resident of Choctaw Beach.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) first received a call around 9:20 a.m. on Jan. 31, of a vehicle pulled off from the bridge’s northbound lanes.  Another caller reported spotting a body floating in the water. Boats from the OCSO and Coast Guard station in Destin responded. Coast Guard crew members attempted CPR but were unable to revive the victim. Evidence indicates that Richey jumped some 65 feet from the highest point of the bridge into the water. At this time of year, the water in the bay can be as low as 54 degrees.