The normally calm and peaceful Ohio River became the site of a gruesome discovery Wednesday night when fishermen found a body investigators said was not there by accident.

"The death is very suspicious. We're handling it as a homicide," said Brooke County Chief Deputy Chuck Jackson.

The body of a white man was discovered around 10 p.m.

Investigators now need the public's help identifying the man, who has several distinctive characteristics.

The victim has a tattoo on his upper left arm that reads "Sherrie" and another just below it that is a heart with a dagger through it. Deputies said a large scar indicates open heart or bypass surgery.

The man is believed to be between 50 to 75 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and about 195 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt and suspenders.

"I just want people to think about anybody they've seen, anybody they know who they haven't seen. This subject may have been missing for several days," Jackson said.

Investigators say they do have an indication of how long the body was in the river, but they did not release that information.

The medical examiner's office will conduct a fingerprint test but said it will help only if the victim's prints are on file.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage as details become available.