SUFFOLK, Va. — The 74-year-old hunter who went missing late Tuesday night was found dead Wednesday morning, officials said.
Terry Jackson Copeland, 74, was reported missing around 11:45 p.m. Tuesday by a family member who said Copeland didn't return home last night after his usual hunting trip on his 100-acre property off White Marsh Road.
The family member said Copeland began his hunting trip around 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Suffolk Police and Suffolk Fire & Rescue search teams started searching in the area on foot and on ATVs.
There are numerous hunting tree stands on the property. Suffolk Fire & Rescue also contacted Nightingale, and the helicopter responded and conducted an aerial search of the property for about an hour Wednesday morning. Multiple agencies were called in to help in the search.
His friend and frequent hunting partner, Gene Gizara, was one scene, hoping Terry would be found safe. He describes his long-time friend as a loyal person.
“He's a good person," said Gizara. "He's kind and generous to a lot of people and he does everything. I mean, he lets me hunt in his farm anytime I want to, no cost or nothing. He's just a very generous person."
Authorities ended up finding Copeland's body in a thicket of trees around 10 a.m. Wednesday. His next of kin has been notified.
Police haven't released what caused his death, but they're still investigating this case. No foul play is suspected. Police said he did have several underlying medical conditions.