Hikers find body of missing Rogers man near Ponca

Authorities in Arkansas are investigating after hikers found a body on a trail near the Buffalo National River.

The Newton County sheriff's office said in a statement that two hikers Sunday discovered the body of 27-year-old Marvin Alexander Lopez of Rogers in an area above the Hemmed-in-Hollow waterfall, which is about 1 mile north of the river in the Ponca Wilderness Area.

The body had "no obvious signs of significant trauma," the sheriff's office said, noting the cause of death is pending an autopsy at the state Crime Laboratory.

Sheriff Keith Slape said there is "nothing to indicate foul play."

"Our hearts go out to Mr. Lopez’s family and we hope to be able to provide them with answers soon,” he added.

The sheriff said a member of Lopez's family had reported Wednesday that no one had heard from him since Feb. 19. Lopez' car was reportedly found parked at the trailhead.

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