Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Continues Investigation after Missing Tamassee Man Found Dead

Austin Wade Campbell

(Walhalla, SC)--------------------------------------The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation today after the body of a missing Tamassee man was discovered yesterday.

On Sunday, November 14th, the Sheriff’s Office issued a news release seeking the public’s help in locating 24 year old Austin Wade Campbell, who was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office the evening of Veteran’s Day.

Austin left his family’s residence, on Catfish Pond Road, on foot around 10am on Wednesday, November 10th. Austin had not been heard from since he left the residence. Austin did not have a vehicle or a cell phone, according to the release last week.

The deputy who took the initial report searched several areas but did not locate Austin. Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Division continued their search with a drone, the Oconee County Aviation Unit and with the assistance of the K9 Foothills Search and Rescue team, along with Oconee County Emergency Services, but Austin was not located.

Yesterday, an article of clothing that family members said belonged to Austin was located near North Lake Drive. Deputies began searching the area by foot. As the search continued, Austin’s body was located by a family member in a body of water. The Oconee County Coroner’s Office issued a release yesterday identifying the body discovered as that of Austin’s.

According to investigators, no signs of foul play have been discovered at this time. The Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy for Tuesday to assist with the death investigation.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sympathies to Austin’s family.