Body of Kemah police Chief Chris Reed recovered, police say

TEXAS CITY, Texas – The remains of Kemah police Chief Chris Reed were found Sunday morning, Texas City police said.

Reed went overboard when the fishing boat he was on was hit by a large wake. His wife was on board at the time but didn't go overboard and was not injured.

The couple was about a mile and a half north of the dike at the time of the incident, according to the release. Reed's remains were found approximately one and a half miles north of the Texas City Dike, according to a news release from the United States Coast Guard. 

"At 7:54 am a body matching the description of Chief Chris Reed was recovered from the water by a Galveston County Marine Unit boat crew near mile marker 32 on the west end of the Houston Ship Channel," the City of Kemah said in a statement. 

Body of Chris Reed escorted after remains recovered

The search for Reed began Friday and spanned until Sunday morning, when his remains were found. Crews searched more than 650 square miles over the course of roughly 40 hours, according to the USCG.

READ MORE: Kemah police chief missing after going overboard near Texas City Dike

What was being used for the search?

A Coast Guard Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, an Air Station Corpus Christi C-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew, a Station Galveston boat crew, the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Tiger Shark and a Coast Guard drone team assisted in the search, according to the release.

Which agencies were involved?

• Coast Guard Air Station Houston
• Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi
• Coast Guard Station Galveston
• Coast Guard cutter Tiger Shark
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Texas City Marine Unit
• Harris County Marine Unit
• Chambers County
• Galveston County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit
• Galveston Police Department
• Galveston Island Beach Patrol
• Nassau Bay Fire Department
• League City Fire Department
• Webster Fire Department
• UTMB Marine Police
• Texas EquuSearch

Who was Chris Reed?

Reed was a retired Army paratrooper and former city manager for League City and Nassau Bay. He was also on the Clear Creek Independent School District board.

"No. 1, he’s just a great cop, just to start off with. He’s been in this county a long time, working for several different agencies," Texas City Police Chief Joe Stanton said. "He was a big part of Kemah and everything they were accomplishing and had going over there. He was a big part of this Galveston County community as far as law enforcement. We’re a tight-knit group. He’s one of ours. And we're out there, and we're gonna find him."

Support gathering was held Saturday night

A support gathering was held Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Stadium at 2305 E. Main St. in League City.

"This is simply an informal gathering of support and fellowship. There is no specific program and there will be no formal updates or statements from authorities. This is a gathering of support for the many friends who love and care about Chris and his family as we continue to pray for his safe return," according to a Facebook event created by the city of Kemah. 

The lives Reed has touched extends to more than just close friends and family.

"Chris' reach in our community is deep not just in our school district but in our education foundation," said Elaina Polsen, with Clear Creek Independent School District. 

At the gathering, members of the community all agreed Reed was widely-known for his big heart.

A statement was released Saturday from Reed's family:

"The family of Chris Reed, his wife Jana, his son Chase and his daughters Logan and Alexis wish to extend their sincerest appreciation to the City of Kemah, Texas City, League City, Nassau Bay and Clear Creek ISD, as well as all of the friends and family who have showered them with love during these difficult days. It's that love that has strengthened them to endure.

"Jana Reed and the Reed Family asks that just as you showed your strength in love - you'll also extend your faith and hope as the search for Chris continues. They ask for you to unite in prayer during this time of uncertainty - prayers for the Coast Guard and all first responders, prayer for the Reed family and most importantly prayer that Chris will be found.

"Chris Reed is a friend to everyone, a husband, brother, a son, a mentor, a protector, chief and a coach, but within each of those roles, Chris is always a connector. He connects people to create synergy and a greater good. The power of connection tonight, paired with faith, hope and love is what Chris would expect from this community if he were in this stadium tonight.

"Thank you and God Bless."