JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The search for 33-year-old Matthew Sharpe ended in tragedy just after midnight Thursday.
Police said the last time anyone saw Sharpe alive, he walking his dog along San Jose Boulevard near the Julington Creek Marina between noon and 1 p.m. on Wednesday. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded about 6:30 p.m. to a missing person’s call and put out a notice to the public about three hours later.
Since Sharpe’s dog was found swimming in the water with the leash still attached, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue’s Marine Unit and the JSO’s Dive Team began searching the creek. A JSO spokesperson said Sharpe’s body was found in the water after midnight.
JSO said there is no indication of foul play, but rather appears to be a tragic accident.
Sharpe was a husband, friend and hard worker who was described as gentle and kind. Businesses near the marina said they would see him often walking in the area.
Liberty Landscape Supply, on San Jose Boulevard, put a “rest in peace” message for Sharpe on its sign Thursday morning. A spokesman for the company said Sharpe worked there for just over a year and they were hoping he would be able to return soon.