Body of missing New Albany man found

The body of a missing New Albany man was found Wednesday morning.

According to Panama City beach Police, a woman discovered the body of Tainarien "Tay" Elliot, 24, of New Albany around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning.  Officials say the location where he was found is approximately 300 yards from where he went missing Monday afternoon.

The body's discovery officially ends a search for Elliot that began Monday after he went missing approximately 100 yards from shore.  At the time of his disappearance, he had been attempting to rescue his cousin, Mario Waldrop, 19, also of New Albany, who had become distressed while swimming in the Gulf.

The U.S. Coast Guard was called in to lead the search after a bystander was able to rescue Waldrop and a fellow friend, but not Elliot.

Elliot was a former standout for the New Albany High School football team.  He helped lead the Bulldogs to an 8-4 season in 2005 and was also named All-State and All-Division.