On Saturday December 1st, 2018 at approximately 17:06 hours the Appling County Sheriff’s Office was contacted concerning a missing person. Gene Byron Erdman (77 years of age) could not be located and some of his personal property had been discovered on hunting land off of US Highway 1 South at the Appling/ Bacon County Line.
Members of the Appling County Sheriff’s Office, Appling County Emergency Management Agency, Georgia State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources began searching the area. 
Erdman’s body was recovered around 09:15 hours on Sunday December the 2nd 2018. At this time officials do not suspect any foul play concerning Mr. Erdman’s Death.
Sheriff Melton would like to thank the Appling County EMA, DNR, GSP and local volunteers for their assistance rendered.