A search for a missing Scioto County man has come to a tragic conclusion after his body was discovered in Waverly over the weekend.
Waverly Police Chief John Winfield reported that officers were dispatched to 404 7th St. on Saturday, Feb. 28, following a report of a body located behind a residence over an embankment. Upon arrival, law enforcement confirmed the individual was deceased and identified him as Ryan Wrutzel.
Wrutzel had been the subject of an intensive search after his family contacted the Scioto Valley Guardian two weeks ago seeking help to locate him. While a missing persons alert was issued in hopes of a safe return, the discovery on Saturday marked a heartbreaking end to those efforts.
Following the discovery, the Pike County Coroner responded to the scene. Wrutzel’s body was subsequently transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy was conducted on Sunday, March 1.
At this time, the cause and manner of death remain pending as authorities await further results from the medical examiner. The case remains an active investigation.
