On Friday, December 17, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible dead body on a private property near Highway M and Pond Road. 

According to a media release, the investigation determined the body was identified as Jimmy “JD” Collins, of Sedalia,  who was reported  last seen around Thanksgiving.  

Authorities say Collins’ vehicle was submerged in a pond, approximately 140-yards west of where his body was located. 

Preliminary results of an autopsy, performed on Monday, revealed hypothermia as a possible contributing factor in Collins’ death. 

Kansas City, Mo. Police Department Aircraft Division, members of the Mid-County Fire Department dive team and Garber Diesel Service assisted with the recovery of Collins’ body and his vehicle.