Authorities in Georgia are investigating the discovery of a young man’s badly burned body in Stone Mountain Park. The grim find was made Saturday morning by a hiker, who reported it to park officials around 8:18 a.m. The body was located on the side of the mountain, some distance from the main walking trail and the Summit Skyride. While not a remote area, the location is rarely visited by hikers. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office is scheduled to perform an autopsy on Monday.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the investigation. Spokesperson John Bankhead stated that while they have a prospective identity for the victim based on personal belongings found at the scene and a vehicle parked nearby, this has yet to be officially confirmed. The unusual nature of the incident has left park officials baffled, with one spokesperson noting that nothing like this has ever happened in the park’s history.
The fire itself is also under scrutiny, with DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department arson investigators looking into its origin. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as the authorities continue their work. The incident casts a shadow over Stone Mountain Park, a popular tourist destination known for its massive Confederate memorial carving, which has been the subject of much debate and controversy in recent years.
The park, which includes a lakeside resort and other attractions, is managed by a state authority and a private amusement park contractor. The discovery of the body raises concerns about safety and security within the park, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The mountain, located about 20 miles east of Atlanta, is a significant landmark in Georgia’s history and the location of this tragic event has understandably shaken the community.
