MAGNOLIA — A Magnolia man who was reported missing has been found in an irrigation pond at the company where he worked.

Columbia County Sheriff Mike Loe told the Magnolia Banner News that sheriff’s deputies discovered 44-year-old David Mullins about 12:45 p.m. Saturday at Pittman Farms.

Officials began searching for Mullins after family members reported him missing Thursday night.

They believe Mullins had taken a small, flat-bottom boat onto the pond to adjust the flow of a water pump on a floating dock when the boat began to take on water.

County Coroner Randy Reed says Mullins apparently attempted to shed his heavy clothing to avoid being dragged down, but because the water temperature was about 40 degrees, he may have been overcome by the cold temperatures.