Area Law Enforcement: Missing Man is Found Dead
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on October 17, 2025
FROM RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF ROBERT R. ELBON JR.
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to a well-being check request in the Bowden area of Randolph County on Shavers Mountain. The caller reported that an occupied vehicle had been parked for approximately one (1) week at the remote location. During the investigation it was discovered that the owner of the vehicle was entered into NCIC as a missing person from Berkeley County.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office was investigating the missing person’s case. The subject was reported missing Oct. 8, and investigative leads resulted in information that the subject likely arrived in Randolph County on the same date.
Upon confirmation of the missing person status, the Sheriff’s Office initiated a search of the area where the vehicle was located. Active searches continued Oct. 15-16 with multiple agencies responding to assist in the search. Search efforts included the use of canines, drone deployment along with foot and UTV search teams. During the search on Oct. 16, the missing person was located deceased.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office in the search efforts were the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police and their canine units, West Virginia State Police, West Virginia Emergency Management Division, Randolph County Office of Emergency Management and E-911, Randolph County EMS, Whitmer Volunteer Fire Department, Beverly Volunteer Fire Department, Coalton Volunteer Department, Tygart Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Leading Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Parsons Volunteer Fire Department, Alpine Shores Campground, and the Elkins Walmart. The Sheriff’s Office extends our gratitude to everyone who assisted in the search efforts. Although it was not the outcome we hoped for, the collaborative effort was instrumental in the recovery.
