Body Pulled From Water ID'd as Missing Palmetto High Teacher

A body pulled from the water near the mouth of the Manatee River has been positively identified as missing Bradenton teacher Patrick Mullins, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

An autopsy proved inconclusive, which means the cause of death is still undetermined, a sheriff's office spokesperson said. 

 after leaving his Bradenton home for a trip on his boat Jan. 27. The Coast Guard later found his a white, 16-foot Stump Knocker empty in the water near the mouth of Tampa Bay close to Egmont Key.

The Manatee County School district will host a "celebration of life" for the students teachers and family on Thursday at Palmetto High School. The celebration is limited to Mullins' family and staff and students at the school.

Mullins' family issued a statement Wednesday morning thanking community members for their support.

Students, staff, family members and friends are holding a private celebration in memory of Mullins on Thursday afternoon at Palmetto High, according to a Manatee County School District spokesperson.

Updated, 4:24 p.m.

Related Coverage:

• Deputies Search for Missing Boater
• Man's Body Pulled From Water Near Emerson Point
• Family of Missing Teacher Releases Statement

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