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A drone was used Thursday night by emergency crews after a construction worker was found dead on the bridge. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Emergency crews on the scene at the Mississippi River Bridge Wednesday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Emergency crews on the scene at the Mississippi River Bridge Wednesday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Emergency crews on the scene at the Mississippi River Bridge Wednesday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Emergency crews on the scene at the Mississippi River Bridge Wednesday. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — A construction worker was found dead Wednesday night on the bridge.

Natchez Police Department Chief Walter Armstrong said a search began for the employee after he was not accounted for at the end of his work day at approximately 5 p.m.

Armstrong said he was not sure what time, but the man was found later on some scaffolding. Armstrong said at approximately 10:30 p.m. he had only recently been told the man had been found.

Armstrong said he did not know if the man was on scaffolding high up on the bridge or under it.

The Coast Guard was called in case the man was in the river, Armstrong said.

Armstrong said he did not know the man’s name, age or where he is from.

“We are trying to figure out how to get him down from the scaffolding,” Armstrong said. “I don’t know how long it will be until they get him down.”

Armstrong said his officers at approximately 10:30 p.m. were working to secure the scene. The fire department would likely be involved, Armstrong said.

Armstrong said he is under the impression that the man was found on the Mississippi half of the bridge.

Armstrong said officers at this time did not suspect foul play, but that officers would treat this as a death investigation and may send the body off for an autopsy.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

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