HELEN — White County authorities are investigating the discovery of the man’s body just off the trail to Raven Cliffs Falls off Richard Russell Scenic Highway.
A hiker reported the discovery just before 2 p.m. Friday and called 9-1-1.
White County Sheriff's Capt. Rick Kelley said Robert Waters, 49 of Jacksoville, Fl., was hiking with his wife and two sons and got separated. A hiker found Waters face down in a creek along the trail.
"No indication of foul play is suspected," Kelley said.
White County fire, medical and sheriff’s office personnel were dispatched, along with Helen Fire Department and Lee Arrendale State Prison Fire Department.
White County Coroner Ricky Barrett also was dispatched.
“Right now, we are trying to determine what happened. It's really just unknown right now," Barrett said.
Sheriff's deputies interviewed hikers who came off the trail to see if they could provide any information.
The fire team from Lee Arrendale State Prison assisted in the recovery of the body, which will be sent to the state crime laboratory for an autopsy.
AccessWDUN's Rob Moore contributed to this story.
