Jacob Whaley, a Louisa, Virginia resident, disappeared on Monday, Jan. 3 during a heavy snowstorm, According to WRIC.
The 34-year old man was later discovered to have abandoned his car in the storm and was trying to walk home.
Authorities claim that after he sent a text message to his family at 8:45 p.m., stating that he was missing, they never heard from him again.
Whaley’s family contacted the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office to notify them that the man was attempting to walk the six miles it took to get back home, suggesting they check near Greene’s Corner Road, according to the outlet.
According to the press release, the sheriff’s office “immediately responded to the family’s request to check both the roadside area along Greene’s Corner Rd, the roadways in between and his residence.”
They did not initially locate Whaley, and a missing person’s report was filed with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, and a search party of both sheriff’s deputies and volunteers discovered Whaley’s body.
He was found just 200 yards from Greene’s Corner Road, where his family suggested he may be.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Whaley’s truck was found on Mt. Olive Road, which runs into Hanover.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Jacob Whaley,” the sheriff’s statement read. “Missing Person’s cases are always a top priority for the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office and we share in their grief and sorrow.”
Whaley set out to return home after leaving his car. “he was concerned about his dogs, and having visitation with his son,”His sisterYou can write on a Facebook fundraising page.
“Jacob leaves behind his 2 Year Old Son, Jacob Dawson Whaley who was his pride and joy,”She wrote. “People have asked me if they could donate to him and I have set aside my pride and decided to make this. All funds will be put into a savings account for Dawson to use for college or whatever he so desires when he gets older.”