ATLANTA — The body of a missing Navy sailor who vanished from the Atlanta airport was found in a Georgia river on Monday.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now hoping for information that can give them answers on what happened to 25-year-old Devin Jeter from Scottdale, Georgia, after his body was found in the Ocmulgee River near Lumber City.
A fisherman who was out on the river discovered Jeter's body around 12:55 p.m. on Monday, according to the GBI. Jeter was last known to be at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Nov. 7, where he rented a 2024 silver Jeep Compass with the Florida license plate EWAG47.
Jeter was supposed to be heading to Jacksonville, Florida, where he was stationed in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordanceman 3rd Class. When he didn't show up at the base, fellow sailors alerted his family and prompted them to report him missing. His body was found four days later.
The U.S. Navy released a statement on Jeter's death, saying that "the cause and circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation" and that they offer their "deepest condolences and sympathies to the family, friends, and shipmates of the Sailor during this difficult time."
The Telfair County Sheriff's Office responded to the river and requested the assistance of the GBI. Autopsy results on Jeter's body showed no apparent injuries, but investigators are conducting further forensic tests to hopefully provide more insight into what happened to him.
The GBI is urging anyone who may have information on Jeter's disappearance and death or anyone who saw his rental car between Atlanta and Lumber City to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Eastman at 478-374-6988 or the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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