The death of 35-year-old Derek Hughes, the man whose body was found in Lake Cherokee May 16 has been ruled accidental

According to Cherokee Village Police Chief Monte Lane, the toxicology report from the Arkansas State Crime Lab has been returned and showed a blood alcohol level of .297. 

Lane said the death has been ruled accidental and the investigation is now closed. 

On May 16,  “ The body of a 35 year old man was found in Lake Cherokee in Cherokee Village around noon Tuesday May 16th. Derek Hughes had been reported as missing late Saturday night on May 13th where witnesses stated he had left the Copper Feather Bar & Grille intoxicated,” Lane said. “It was unclear if Hughes had left on foot or in a vehicle. Hughes phone had been pinged but the last location noted was the Copper Feather the night he was reported missing.”

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