Missing Canton, NC man found dead in Oconee County

A 57 year-old Canton, NC man, Jeffrey Scott Turner, who was reported missing on Tuesday morning (February 9th) in Haywood County, NC, was discovered dead at approximately 10:40 am on Friday morning.  

His body was found off of a trail, known as the “Blue Trail”, near Big Bend Road; he was found by a search team with a cadaver dog deployed Friday morning.  

The preliminary investigation supports Mr. Turner died as a result of a self-destructive act.  It is presumed he died late Monday afternoon.  

Mr. Turner was familiar with the area where he was located at; he has previously fished and hunted in Oconee County.

A post mortem exam was performed Sunday morning, February 14th, 2016. The exam confirmed Mr. Turner died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  

His manner of death is classified as a suicide.

Rabun County agencies, as well as a host of other agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina, joined the Oconee County in the search for Turner.