A prominent autism researcher and vaccine opponent was found dead floating in a North Carolina river last week under what many are calling suspicious circumstances.

A fisherman found the body of Dr. James Jeffery Bradstreet in the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, last Friday afternoon.

"Bradstreet had a gunshot wound to the chest, which appeared to be self inflicted, according to deputies," reported WHNS.

In a press release, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office announced, "Divers from the Henderson County Rescue Squad responded to the scene and recovered a handgun from the river."

An investigation into the death is ongoing, and the results of an autopsy are also reportedly forthcoming.

Dr. Bradstreet ran a private practice in Buford, Georgia, which focused on "treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, PPD, and related neurological and developmental disorders."

Among various remedies, Dr. Bradstreet's Wellness Center reportedly carried out "mercury toxicity" treatments, believing the heavy metal to be a leading factor in the development of childhood autism.