ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Deputies with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office located a vehicle belonging to a missing Randolph County man and discovered a body nearby during a search Thursday afternoon.
According to the sheriff’s office, the discovery was made at approximately 1:48 p.m. on June 18 while deputies were conducting ongoing search operations for James Hedrick, who was last seen June 8 in the Elkins area.
Authorities said a deputy located Hedrick’s vehicle along an old logging-style county road. After searching the immediate surrounding area, deputies discovered a body.
Officials said the identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed. Positive identification will be made following an examination by the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the search for Hedrick involved a coordinated effort by law enforcement, emergency services personnel, volunteers and members of the Hedrick family.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office expressed its appreciation to the family, partner agencies and community volunteers who assisted in the search, while also extending condolences to Hedrick’s family and friends.
The investigation remains active, and no additional information has been released.
