The body found this morning on a bridge on J. E. Johnson Road in Prentiss has been identified by Jefferson Davis County Superintendent Ike Haynes as Domanick Stewart. Stewart was a student at Jefferson Davis County High School.

“I am truly saddened, devastated even, at the tragic loss of one of our scholars,” said Haynes. “He was a very happy-go-lucky child every time I ever encountered him,” he said.

Stewart played football and ran track for the Jaguars. “He was an outstanding student athlete in multiple sports, and he was never in trouble,” said Haynes.

“I want to say to our entire community that we have truly lost a shining star, but I want us to bind together as a community and turn this tragedy into a celebration of his life. May his life be an inspiration to his other classmates and may they go forward in life and make him proud of all their accomplishments,” he said.

All Jefferson Davis County Schools released students early today upon hearing the tragic news.

“On behalf of the Jefferson Davis County Board of Trustees and the entire school district, our hearts go out to his mom and sisters and brothers,” said Haynes.

Two of Stewart’s siblings are also students in the JDC School District.

“We tell the kids we love them all the time and for them to tell us if they are hurting,” he said.

“I just want to encourage our community to come together; if you see something or know someone is hurting, please say something to someone,” he said.

Haynes says the district’s efforts with grief counseling  will continue for the foreseeable future.

“He is gone, but he will never ever be forgotten,” said Haynes.

“This incident is under investigation and we cannot provide any further details,” said JDC Sheriff Ron Strickland.