A 21-year-old man missing for weeks was found dead Monday at the bottom of a 50-foot well outside a Virginia church, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office reported.
Churchgoers at St. Stephen Ruza Church in rural Mecklenburg County alerted authorities after noticing a foul odor. Police retrieved the body, later identified as Horne through fingerprints by the state medical examiner's office.
Horne disappeared on August 15 near Simmons Truck Stop in Bracey, just 6 miles from where his body was discovered. He had been traveling with Met by Love Ministries, a North Carolina faith group, when he reportedly walked away alone after an argument. Police said Horne had no phone and was unfamiliar with the area.
South Hill firefighters assisting in the recovery expressed condolences to the family and friends affected, while also requesting support for first responders.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office stated the investigation is ongoing. Met by Love Ministries has not commented on the incident.