Bagpiper dies in Hawaii days before son's remains found

In the United States, a tragic series of events unfolded involving Henry Frantz Jr., a 74-year-old bagpiper from Atlanta, Georgia. On March 10, 2025, Henry Frantz Jr. lost his life in a scuba diving accident while exploring the waters off Maui, Hawaii. He was a respected member of the Atlanta Pipe Band, actively participating for 55 years and known for his contributions to the piping community. His passing was lamented by friends and fellow musicians who noted his adventurous spirit and dedication to his art. Authorities in Maui are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, which remains unclear. Just days later, on March 16, 2025, Frantz's family made a shocking discovery in Georgia when they found human skeletal remains in a treehouse in the backyard of the home he used to reside in. This location, situated in Decatur, Georgia, turned out to be the last known whereabouts of his son, Henry Hank Frantz, who had been missing for approximately four years. Local authorities responded to the scene to investigate the remains, which were subsequently identified as belonging to the younger Frantz, who was 28 years old at the time of his disappearance. Despite initial investigations, the specific cause of death for Hank Frantz has not yet been confirmed, and no foul play is suspected. The younger Frantz was never reported missing to law enforcement, and there is no documented case in the Department of Justice's National Missing and Unidentified Persons System regarding his disappearance. It is unclear how long he was in the treehouse or the circumstances that led to his passing, as the skeletal remains still retained some soft tissue. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office is currently working to determine the timeline of events related to both Henry Frantz Jr. and his son. Community members were left in shock at the series of events, reflecting on the impact both men had on their families and communities. This dual tragedy has raised many questions about communication in cases of missing persons and the circumstances leading to Henry Frantz Jr.'s diving accident in Hawaii. As investigations continue, friends and family members mourn the loss of these two individuals whose lives were intertwined by tragic events. The family and the community await further information and closure regarding both Henry Frantz Jr. and Henry Hank Frantz. Meanwhile, many remember Henry's contributions to the piping community and his adventurous spirit, as well as reflect on the difficult situation surrounding his son's disappearance and eventual discovery.