The body of Lucas Baxter, 18, who was reported missing after last being seen on the UNG Dahlonega campus, has been recovered.
According to a social media post from the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office, no foul play is suspected and an investigation is ongoing. Sheriff Stacy Jarrard asked for thoughts and prayers for Baxter's family and friends, and he thanked local first responders for their help in locating Baxter.
Baxter was last seen on Friday, Oct. 22 on the UNG Dahlonega campus where he was a student. His family members took to social media for help in locating him, posting on the Facebook account North Georgia Hiking & Adventure. Posts asked for other hikers to join the search since Baxter was described as an experienced hiker who liked to hike off-trail.
Baxter's vehicle was found in a parking lot in the Woody Gap area, according to last week's social media posts from the family. They also said some witnesses had seen him heading in the direction of Springer Mountain. Search crews combed popular hiking spots including Woody Gap to Preacher's Rock to Dockery Lake, as well as from Woody Gap to Gooch Gap. Volunteers and authorities showed flyers with Baxter's photo to hikers along the way, but no one reported seeing him.
The search for Baxter was called off on Wednesday after crews thought Baxter was no longer in the Woody Gap area. Authorities have not released where his body was recovered.
