(Ringgold Co.) The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office says an Atlantic man who was reported missing has been found deceased.
The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Atlantic Police Department about a missing person, 39-year-old Mark Francis. Francis was last seen near Mount Ayr, where he was working construction.
The Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain video of Francis at Casey’s General Store in Mount Ayr on July 16, walking eastbound along Highway 2. A multi-agency search was conducted, and Francis was located deceased on Wednesday, July 22.
Investigators with the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office confirm there is no ongoing threat and believe this to be an isolated incident. While there have been no signs of foul play, a preliminary investigation indicates a possible heat-related or medical episode.
Investigators continue to gather information surrounding the incident. Francis was transported for an autopsy, and investigators are awaiting the results.
The department extends its deepest sympathy to the Francis family.
The Sheriff’s Office thanks the Mount Ayr Fire Department and Embers, the Kellerton Fire Department, the Diagonal Fire Department, Clarke County Emergency Management and Ringgold County Emergency Management for their assistance with the search.
The family has requested privacy at this time, and no further details will be released.
