ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — The Athens County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the body discovered in the Hocking River in early June 2024 belongs to 37-year-old Jarrod Joe Taylor. The grim find was made by a group of kayakers, prompting a response from local deputies, detectives, and emergency services.
After the body was recovered, a search of the surrounding area was conducted, but no additional evidence was found. At the time, there was no identification available, and the cause of death remained unclear. “An autopsy was ordered by the Athens County Coroner to determine the cause of death and help identify the deceased,” said Sheriff Rodney Smith. The autopsy later provided a DNA match, identifying Taylor.
According to the sheriff’s office, Taylor had allegedly been estranged from his family since mid-2022 and was known to be homeless. The autopsy indicated that there were no signs of foul play or trauma. Taylor had lived in both Athens County and the Lakeview area of Logan County, Ohio.
As the investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from the community. They are seeking information from anyone who may have seen or interacted with Taylor from early 2024 until the time his body was found in June. People with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Athens County Sheriff’s Office at 740-593-6633.
