INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An autopsy is scheduled for the body believed to be that of the missing Richard Brinkley, whose van was recovered in a canal Thursday evening.
Brinkley’s van and a male body were found shortly after 7 p.m. April 16, a few hours after authorities alerted the public that they were searching for Brinkley to check on his welfare.
The cause of death is under investigation and will be pending an autopsy.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
April 16, 8:05 p.m.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The missing Vero Beach man has been found dead in a canal near Oslo Middle School.
Richard Lyle Brinkley, 69, of Vero Beach, was found dead in the 800 block of 5th St. SW, according to Indian River County Spokesman Sgt. Thom Raulen.
This article will be updated when more details are released.
April 16, 5:29 p.m.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate 69-year-old Richard Lyle Brinkley, of Vero Beach, in order to check his welfare and safety.
Brinkley was last seen by neighbors on April 14, 2015, around 1 p.m. His wife recently passed away and his pets were left in his home unattended.
Neighbors reported this as unusual behavior for Brinkley and it is believed he is upset over the loss of his wife.
He is described as a white male, standing 5 feet10 inches tall, and weighing 190 pounds. He has blue eyes and grey/white hair.
He is believed to be in his 2004 blue Chevy van with the Florida tag Y7NST but his direction of travel remains unknown.
The van may be towing a wooden trailer.
Investigators with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office are following leads and speaking with family and friends in their attempts to locate and check Brinkley’s safety.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office at 772-978-6240 and refer to case number 2015-61633.
