Body of missing man located near his home

The Madison County Sheriff’s office has announced that on Jan. 8 at approximately 5:30 p.m. the body of William Kristopher Avera was found in a wooded area off of Jot em Down Road near Bishop Carey Road.

The cause of death is unknown at this time, but authorities do not expect foul play at this time. The body has been sent to the state crime lab for an autopsy. The results of the autopsy could take several weeks to several months to process.

Avera was reported missing by his family on Dec. 11 and authorities have been searching for him since that time, including asking for the public’s help in locating the missing man.

Madison County Sheriff J. Michael Moore wanted to thank the GBI, the Georgia State Patrol, the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County EMS, the Madison County Coroner’s Office nad Madison County First Responders for their assistance with this incident.