The search for a missing New Jersey man in Rapides Parish is over as the body of 58-year-old Robert Owens was found in a densely wooded area Wednesday morning. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says Owens was a geocacher and never made it back to his vehicle.
“They came upon what they believed to be human remains. Clothing description and some other physical characteristics lead us to believe that we have located Mr. Owen and he is deceased.”
Owens flew to Louisiana alone on July 9th. Brown’s “geocache” colleagues alerted Melville authorities that Owens had not been heard from. Carnline says “geocache” is a familiar activity for outdoorsmen.
“Which is someone that goes and looks for things in the forest that are put there by other “geocachers”. It’s a thing that’s done all over the country.”
Carnline showed gratitude towards everyone who assisted in the search.
“I would like to thank everyone who assisted in this investigation and this search. Unfortunately, our search has come to a sad and very tragic end.”
Owens was reported Monday as his next stop was scheduled to be Memphis. His family told KALB-TV that Owens rarely brings water with him during his geocacher trips and they were concerned, since it’s been extremely hot in central Louisiana.
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