Athens – On March 30, 2022, at approximately 3:45pm the Hocking County 911 Center received a call reporting the discovery of a deceased male on the Hocking River near Nelsonville. Individuals who were kayaking down the Hocking River located the male and reported the discovery to 911.
Due to the location being very close to the Hocking and Athens County line, the information was relayed to the Athens County 911 Center and deputies from both Athens and Hocking County responded to the scene.
Sheriff Smith states “Deputies arrived in the area off State Route 278 at the bottom of Lick Run Hill, just outside Nelsonville and located a deceased male on a sand bar in the river.”
Due to exposure to natural elements, deputies were unable to positively identify the deceased. The Athens County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and ordered an autopsy of the body, which will be conducted at the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details will be released at this time” advised Sheriff Smith.
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, Hocking County 911, York Township Fire Department, York Township Box 5, Athens County 911 and the Athens County Coroner’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
