Body found during search identified as missing man

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Investigators say a body found during a recent search is the missing man crews were trying to find.

October 13, the CUE Center for Missing Persons organized a search for Austin Buck Long. The 22-year-old from Nakina was reported missing after last being seen September 25. Searchers found a body in woods off Thurman Road in the Hallsboro community of Columbus County.

Today the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said the Medical Examiner’s Office had identified the body as Long.

A cause of death has not been released as investigators wait for full results of the autopsy.

If you have any information Det Rockenbach at (910) 640-6629.