Body believed to be missing man found off Big Coppitt Key

Investigators believe Paul Brackens, 46, might have committed suicide

BIG COPPITT KEY, Fla. – A body believed to be that of a man whose roommate reported him missing in April was found Wednesday off Big Coppitt Key, Monroe County sheriff's deputies said.

Detective Manny Cuervo said the body was badly decomposed, and so far there is no scientific evidence to confirm that the body is that of Paul Brackens. However, items found with the body are believed to belong to Brackens, Cuervo said.

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Brackens, 46, was reported missing by his roommate April 30.

The woman told deputies that she hadn't seen Brackens since April 27 and said he left behind all of his personal belongings, including his parrot, medications, cellphone, wallet and bicycle.

She also said that before his disappearance, Brackens told her that he was suffering from medical issues and that he was depressed.

Cuervo said there were no obvious signs of foul play, but an autopsy has yet to be performed. Cuervo said the investigation so far indicates that Brackens might have committed suicide.

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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.