Bernaton Whisenant Jr., 37, was found dead on Hollywood Beach in Miami on Wednesday morning

A federal prosecutor was found dead on a Miami beach on Wednesday.

Beranton J. Whisenant Jr was discovered in the water by a passer-by on Hollywood Beach on Wednesday at 4.30am.

The 37-year-old prosecutor had suffered significant head injuries which police say are consistent with a gunshot wound.

They have not yet revealed whether his death is being treated as a murder, suicide or accident.

Whisenant was 'very well dressed' when he was found, wearing a business shirt and black pants.

Residents told NBC he had all of his personal effects on him when he was discovered.

Whisenant worked for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami in its major crimes unit.

In a statement, it said of him: 'The U.S. Attorney's Office family is deeply saddened by his death.

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Whisenant's body was discovered in water by a passer-by at around 4.30am. Police identified him after pulling him to shore

Authorities said the prosecutor suffered head injuries but they have not yet revealed whether they believe his death was a murder, suicide or accident

'He was a wonderful lawyer and great colleague. We will miss him deeply.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.'

NBC journalist Katie Phang said she was 'horrified' by news of his death.

'I am horrified by this news. Beranton Whisenant was a friend and colleague.

'I pray that the authorities can find out what happened,' she wrote on Facebook.