Remains of missing U.K. man found in Georgia woods

In the United States, specifically in Georgia, the remains of a man from the United Kingdom named Alex Hodgson Doughty were discovered on February 4, 2025. Doughty went missing while visiting Florida in September 2022, where he was last seen at a bar and grill in Jacksonville before taking a ride-hailing service to Kingsland, Georgia. After he was reported missing by his mother, a comprehensive search was conducted, involving various agencies and teams, including the FBI. His remains were ultimately identified with the help of the Medical Examiner's Office of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The timeline of events leading to Doughty's disappearance and the subsequent discovery of his remains spans nearly two and a half years. The FBI confirmed that Doughty had been visiting Jacksonville, Florida, when he was last heard from. Three hours after he was last seen on September 11, 2022, he stopped communicating via his phone, prompting concern and an extensive search initiated by his family. LBT Global, a nonprofit that aids families of missing persons, alongside local and federal authorities, was actively involved in the efforts to locate Doughty. Significantly, investigators focused their search efforts using techniques to track cell phone locations, which ultimately contributed to the discovery of Doughty's remains. Kristin Rehler, the special agent in charge of the FBI in Jacksonville, expressed gratitude for the efforts made by her team in narrowing down search areas. However, the cause and manner of Doughty’s death have not been disclosed, and no criminal charges are expected, indicating that the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. This outcome, while tragic, offers some closure to Doughty’s family, who had been searching for answers since his disappearance. The case underscores the challenges faced by authorities in finding missing individuals, particularly in cases involving international citizens visiting the U.S. It highlights the need for effective communication and cooperation among various investigative entities. Despite the closure that the discovery provided to Doughty’s relatives, the circumstances of the months leading to his death continue to raise questions and concerns. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to address missing person cases and the emotional toll they take on families.