Missing teen with autism found dead after days-long search in Baldwin County

After a three-day search involving more than 200 community members and law enforcement, police said the body of a missing nonverbal autistic teen was found Wednesday in Baldwin County.

Jeffery Epps, 15, was reported missing on Nov. 24,

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the recovery of the body of Jeffrey Epps at approximately 16:14 today,” The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office posted Wednesday afternoon on its Facebook page. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the more than 200 volunteers, as well as the dedicated public safety and law enforcement agencies, whose tireless efforts made this possible.”

Authorities said the recovery was “heartbreaking” and described the period as an “unimaginable time.”

The Baldwin County Fire and Rescue Department shared photos online of the search, showing emergency dive teams and drones being deployed throughout the area to execute grid searches in wooded areas. The search also included K9 units, multiple thermal drones and a helicopter equipped with advanced imaging systems, according to the fire department.

Several organizations assisted with the search, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Georgia State Patrol.

“Although the outcome is one we prayed we would never face, please know that your efforts brought strength, hope, and comfort to our family during our darkest hours,” the sheriff’s office shared. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your time, your compassion and your unwavering support. We will never forget the love you showed to Jeffrey and the family.”

Officials initially advised residents of the Coopers Community in Milledgeville to check their private properties in search of Epps, noting that he was nonverbal and would be unlikely to respond when found. He was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and gray shorts.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to follow-up questions prior to publication.