Body found in Meramec River is missing 12-year-old boy

The body of 12-year-old Christopher Marks was recovered Aug. 7 from the Meramec River near the location where Marks went missing on Sunday, Aug. 5.

Marks, an Affton resident, was in the Pacific Palisades area with his stepfather, Todd Combs, and five other children when he went missing. Eureka Police are reporting that the children, ranging in age from 12 to 16, were drinking shortly before Marks’ disappearance.

Marks was last seen near a rope swing about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Eureka Police were notified of his disappearance at approximately 10 p.m. and an overnight search and rescue began. The extensive search – involving more than 122 different search units – was suspended Tuesday afternoon. However, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a body was discovered near the Allenton Road access point on the Meramec River.

Marks’ body was discovered by his stepfather and a family friend after authorities had suspended their search.

A criminal investigation continues based on the report of underage drinking.