CEDARBURG (WITI) -- A body recovered from Cedar Creek near Highland Road in Cedarburg on Friday, January 11th is that of Robert Steinbrecker.

"We initiated a search with the assistance of the Cedarburg Fire Department and a number of other local fire departments dive rescue teams," Lt. Rodney Galbraith of the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department said. "Throughout the day they searched the area and ultimately shortly after 3 p.m. a body was discovered and recovered from the creek."

Officials were sent to the location where the body was found after a resident told them about a green and gold hat they saw on the ice.

"Detectives responded, confirmed that they found a hat that matched the description of the hat that Robert Steinbrecker was wearing at the time he went missing," Galbraith added.

In a news conference near the scene, Galbraith said that warmer weather conditions likely played a role in finding Steinbrecker's body.

Steinbrecker's family was with law enforcement officials throughout the day while the search was going on.


"This is a close community and we’re going to do everything we can to try to put closure to it. And we’re very thankful that happened today and I’m sure they are too," Galbraith said.

Steinbrecker was last seen at Cedar Creek near Boy Scout Park in Cedarburg after leaving Maxwell's Bar. He was walking with two friends towards his residence in the Town of Cedarburg. He apparently ran away from them for an unknown reason.

An autopsy will be completed to determine the cause and manner of death.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

Related stories: