Teacher's Remains Found In Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA – Nearly three years after a Douglas County teacher went missing, it's believed his body has been found. He went for a walk near Hunter Memorial Park three years ago and vanished without a trace. It is believed his remains were found Wednesday night off the Interstate 20 by some teens near Bright Star Road. Helicopters have been reportedly hovering in the area he disappeared and where he was found all afternoon.

Deputies tell the CBS46 Bulldog personal items were found near the body that belong to Larry Bolen. A positive ID still needs to be done, but the family has been notified.

Bolen, 62, of Douglasville, was a beloved teacher at Alexander and Lithia Springs High Schools.

Bolen's identification was confirmed using dental records, clothing and his driver’s license, according to according to Channel 2 Action News and The Atlanta Journal Constitution. There was no sign of foul play or suicide, The AJC reported.

The teachers and school system are devastated, according to a statement made by superintendent Trent North, Douglas County School System.

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"On behalf of Douglas County Schools, we are profoundly saddened by the recent discovery of the remains of Larry Bolen. Mr. Bolen was a dedicated teacher and greatly loved by students and staff.," reads the statement.

"For nearly three decades, Mr. Bolen served the Douglas County School System with passion and pride. He began his Douglas County teaching career in 1987 as an English language Arts teacher at Lithia Springs High School then later transferred to Alexander High School. While at Lithia Springs, his unwavering commitment to teaching earned him the title of Teacher of the Year for the school," continued the statement.

"The Douglas County School System extends our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Bolen," the statement concludes.

Read more from CBS46.

Photo courtesy Douglas County Sheriff's Office