Remains found in Weyers Cave identified as missing Staunton Man

By Mario Retrosi June 26, 2024 5:30 p.m.

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – A Staunton man who was reported missing found dead last week in the Weyers Cave area.

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that the remains of Gregory Andrew Merritt were discovered last Friday evening, June 21. His body was found by a K-9 team near the 700 block of Keezletown Rd. and sent to the medical examiner's office.

Merritt, 24, had not been seen since June 15 and the Staunton Police Department reported him missing last Thursday.

Authorities canvassed the Weyers Cave area, where Merritt was believed to have been located, according to the release. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management was called to assist in the search due to extreme heat, thick vegetation and the large scale of the area.

Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said in the release that no foul play was suspected, and that Merritt's death was likely a suicide.

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