The GBI is requesting help from the public to identify a man found dead in the North Georgia mountains near the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

The state agency released a sketch of the man depicting him with a thick, blonde beard, along with photos of some of his clothing and gear. He was found Jan. 21 off the Benton MacKaye Trail, a popular backpacking route that overlaps with the Appalachian Trail, in the area of Springer Mountain in Fannin County.

The GBI did not say when he died or how long his body had been in the woods.

The unidentified hiker was found with a folding camp shovel, a beanie with an integrated LED headlamp and Keen hiking boots.

Credit: GBI

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Credit: GBI

The man was wearing size 10½ Keen-brand hiking boots, carrying a collapsible camp shovel and wearing a beanie with an integrated LED headlamp. He was also wearing tan Wrangler cargo pants and a gray long-sleeved fleece shirt, the GBI said.

No further information has been released about the man’s cause of death or how he was found. The investigation remains active, the GBI said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Cleveland Office at 706-348-4866. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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