Body of missing Florida veteran found in state forest following 10-day search

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The body of a 64-year-old veteran who went missing last month was found in a Florida state forest Saturday following an extensive 10-day search, authorities announced.

Eduardo Ramirez, 64, was reported missing after his family members grew concerned about him. He was last seen driving a vehicle around 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 27, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office said .

On Friday, investigators found the vehicle Ramirez was driving in a remote area off Beck Boulevard in East Naples. However, despite the discovery, deputies said there had been no sign of the man, himself.

In an update Saturday, the sheriff’s office announced the man’s body had finally been found after an “exhaustive search.”

According to CCSO, the 64-year-old’s body was discovered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission just south of the 97-mile marker in the Picayune Strand State Forest.

Deputies said the death does not appear to be suspicious, but an investigation is ongoing.

“We extend our condolences to his family and we thank everyone who participated in the search,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

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