25-Year-Old Navy Sailor Found Dead in Georgia's River

Devin Jeter was reported missing after he failed to show up for work at his Navy base

Nov 15, 2024 - 23:36
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25-Year-Old Navy Sailor Found Dead in Georgia's   River

Devin Jeter was reported missing after he failed to show up for work at his Navy base

Atlanta Police Department Devin Jeter

Atlanta Police Department Devin Jeter

Authorities are looking for information regarding the death of a Navy sailor whose body was found in Georgia's Ocmulgee River. 

According to a press release shared by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Thursday, Nov. 14, a local fisherman found 25-year-old Devin Jeter’s body in the river near Lumber City at approximately 12:55 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11.

Related: Missing Navy Wife's Dead Body Pulled from San Diego Bay: 'We All Knew It Was Her'

Telfair County Sheriff Sim Davidson was assisted by the GBI, and the agencies were able to positively identify Jeter. His family had filed a missing person’s report with the Atlanta Police Department three days earlier on Nov. 8.

Jeter was last seen the evening prior at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport.

GBI Jeter's rented 2024 silver Jeep Compass

GBI Jeter's rented 2024 silver Jeep Compass

While at the airport, the Navy sailor rented a 2024 silver Jeep Compass with Florida license plate EWAG47. It is believed that Jeter was planning to drive to Jacksonville, Fla., where he was stationed. 

“When Jeter didn’t show up for work the next day, his co-workers alerted his family, prompting them to report him missing,” the press release said.

An autopsy was performed at the GBI Coastal Crime Lab, however, no apparent injuries were found. Further testing is expected to be done to help determine Jeter’s cause of death. 

Related: Body of U.S. Sailor, 21, Found in Lake Michigan After He Vanished on Night Out for St. Patrick's Day

On Friday, Nov. 15, a special agent with the GBI told PEOPLE that “the car [Jeter rented] has not been recovered.” No other details were available at the time. 

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Authorities are asking that anyone who may have seen or spoken to Jeter, or know the whereabouts of the 2024 silver Jeep Compass he rented, come forward. “Any information, no matter how small, could be vital in solving this case,” the GBI said. 

Contact the GBI regional investigative office in Eastman at 478-374-6988, or share tips anonymously via the GBI’s tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at GBI’s tip submission page, or through the “See Something, Send Something” mobile app.