KINGSLAND, Ga. — A collective effort to locate a missing teenage boy in Kingsland has ended in tragedy. Authorities from the Kingsland Police Department have verified that the teenager, recognized by his family as Luke Dowell, was discovered deceased four days subsequent to his disappearance.

Dowell was last observed on the morning of Friday, October 24, in the vicinity of May Creek Road. He was officially reported missing the following day, per the Kingsland Police Department.

While officials have confirmed his demise as of Tuesday, they have withheld further information surrounding the circumstances.

The school district of Camden County, where Dowell attended school, issued an official statement expressing their condolences.

Camden County Schools is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our students who attended Camden County High School. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this incredibly difficult time.

The district has activated its Crisis Response Team, which includes school counselors and social workers to provide emotional support and counseling services to students and staff affected by this loss. Additional resources will be available on campus throughout the week, and families are encouraged to reach out to the school if their child needs assistance coping with grief.

We ask that the community respect the privacy of the family and the school community as we grieve together and support one another.

At Next Generation Martial Arts in Kingsland, where Dowell trained for several years, instructors and classmates are grieving.

“He just always was a hard worker,” said head instructor Brett Roberts. “Luke was outgoing, funny, and full of energy, just an overall good student.”

Roberts said he and others helped search for Dowell over the weekend after learning he was missing.

“We were out trying to help look for him,” he said. “When we got the news, we were shocked.”

Dowell’s aunt shared a statement on behalf of his parents, saying he was “sweet, funny, and kind,” and that he will be “missed forever.” The family is asking for privacy as they grieve.

As the investigation continues, police are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Kingsland Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 912-729-8254.

Meanwhile, the community continues to rally around Dowell’s loved ones.

“We’re here to help any way we can,” Roberts said. “We’re just so sorry for the loss.”