HOUSTON — A man’s body was found floating in Buffalo Bayou Tuesday afternoon, marking the first body recovered from Houston’s bayous this year and reviving safety concerns for people who work and exercise along the popular trail system.

The discovery was reported around 2 p.m. along Buffalo Bayou near Commerce and Fannin. Investigators said a cleaning crew doing routine maintenance spotted the body of an adult male in the water. The man has not been identified.

According to police, a dive team was immediately called to the scene to recover the body. Officers said the man was fully clothed and there were no obvious signs of foul play. Investigators added that the body did not appear to have been in the water for very long. The Harris County medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause of death.

Houston police Lt. Larry Crowson said a maintenance crew made the discovery.

“There was a cleanup crew here along Buffalo Bayou doing maintenance along the bayou. They saw the body of an adult male.”

Crowson said investigators are not drawing conclusions at this point.

“The medical examiner will have to determine that. Just at the site, there’s no obvious sign of foul play.”

The discovery has rattled people who regularly use the bayou trails for work and recreation.

Monisha Rosby, who works downtown, said the situation is unsettling.

“Scary, being that I work downtown, especially I work in the evening.”

For some, the incident has raised deeper concerns because of the number of similar cases in recent years.

Juan Martinez questioned how many bodies have been found in local bayous.

“Come on, there must be a serial killer. Over 30-something bodies. No way,” Martinez said.

Others urged caution, saying speculation could cause unnecessary fear.

Monique, who also spends time along the bayou, said people should avoid jumping to conclusions.

“We don’t know and don’t want to cause chaos by assuming things.”

Last year alone, 34 bodies were recovered from Houston-area bayous. Of those cases, one was ruled a homicide. Nine deaths were ruled accidental, either from drowning or toxic exposures. Nineteen cases remained undetermined, two were ruled suicides, and three are still pending.

Even with unanswered questions, people who live and work near Buffalo Bayou said there is one clear takeaway: they want to see more police presence in the area.

Martinez said additional patrols would help.

“More police patrol in this area,” he said.

Monique agreed, saying the trails could benefit from extra security.

“We could utilize more patrols along these corridors,” she said.

Investigators said they will continue looking into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death as the medical examiner works to determine what happened.

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