TOCCOA, Ga. — A 74-year-old Toccoa man reported missing earlier this month was found dead Tuesday morning after authorities searched a wooded area off Oak Valley Road, officials said.
Stephens County Chief Deputy Coroner Lee Woody said workers near 2486 Oak Valley Road discovered personal items believed to belong to Bobby Joe Ivester around 9:38 a.m. on Dec. 16 and called 911. Sheriff’s deputies responded, secured the items, and searched the surrounding area.
During the search, deputies found Ivester’s body a short distance away. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ivester had been missing for more than a week. He was last seen on Dec. 5 in the Oak Valley Road area east of Toccoa. Family members reported him missing on Wednesday, Dec. 10, after they were unable to locate him. Authorities issued a public alert the same day, noting concerns that Ivester may have had dementia and required daily medication.
Officials have not released details about the cause of death. The Stephens County Coroner’s Office extended condolences to Ivester’s family and friends.
