REDDING, Calif. — Authorities have identified the man recovered from the Sacramento River as Alex Abrams, who had been reported missing earlier this month. According to officials, Abrams allegedly fled into the river on February 8, 2026, during a pursuit involving officers from the Redding Police Department.
Law enforcement reports indicate that officers were attempting to make contact with Abrams when he ran toward the river and entered the water. Despite immediate response efforts and a search initiated shortly after the incident, Abrams was not located at that time. Search operations continued in the days that followed, involving multiple agencies and specialized resources focused on locating him along the riverbanks and surrounding areas.
Earlier this week, authorities confirmed that a body was recovered from the Sacramento River. Following formal identification procedures, the decedent was positively identified as Alex Abrams. Officials have notified his family, and the case remains under investigation. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Redding Police Department, is reviewing the circumstances surrounding both the pursuit and the recovery.
While investigators continue to piece together the timeline of events, authorities have not released additional details regarding the initial reason for the police contact. An official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner following an autopsy.
The incident has prompted renewed discussion about water safety and the unpredictable dangers of river currents, especially during winter conditions. Community members are awaiting further updates as officials work to conclude the investigation.