TOCCOA, Ga. — Authorities confirmed Tuesday that a Toccoa man reported missing earlier this month was found deceased after personal items believed to belong to him were discovered in a wooded area off Oak Valley Road.
According to the Stephens County Coroner’s Office, workers near 2486 Oak Valley Road came across the items shortly before 9:40 a.m. Tuesday and contacted emergency services. Deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and began searching the surrounding area.
During that search, deputies located the body of Bobby Joe Ivester, 74, a short distance from where the items were found. Ivester was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Deputy Coroner Lee Woody said Ivester had been missing since mid-December. Further details regarding the circumstances of his death will be released by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office as they become available.
Coroner Kyle Johnson and members of the Coroner’s Office expressed their condolences to Ivester’s family and friends.
This is a developing story, and Habersham News will provide updates as more information is released.
