Additional details released on body found near Hocking River in Athens County

ATHENS, Ohio — The Athens County Sheriff's Office has released additional information on the discovery of a body found near the Hocking River in Guysville. The incident was reported on June 1, 2024 by a local resident who was kayaking in the area with two companions.

The resident called authorities at 7:18 p.m., stating they believed they found human remains under a log up River Rd. Police were dispatched and arrived on scene at 7:50 p.m. Upon arrival, the resident showed police a photo of what appeared to be a human skull. The resident then led them near the river bank.

While waiting for a rescue boat, police conducted a grid search in the immediate area but found no additional items of note. When the rescue boat arrived, police confirmed the remains were human. A supervising officer arrived shortly after and coordinated the recovery of the body.

The remains were carried to the road where a death investigator and staff from a local funeral home took over. The deceased has not yet been identified and the investigation continues.

The sheriff's office said there are currently no missing person cases matching the description of the remains. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Athens County Sheriff's Office.