A search for a missing Morgan County man ended in tragedy Sunday afternoon when authorities discovered the body of David Garrett, the subject of a statewide Silver Alert.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) confirmed Garrett’s death in a statement, offering condolences to his family and friends: “Our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him.”

Garrett, who suffered from a medical condition that impaired his ability to safely return home without assistance, was reported missing earlier in the weekend. The alert triggered a massive local and state response, drawing emergency crews, search helicopters, and community leaders to a centralized staging area in Morgan County.

Morgan County Executive Brian Langley was on the scene during the active search efforts, working alongside first responders. Search teams initially focused their efforts after locating Garrett’s vehicle, using it as a starting point to sweep the surrounding area.

Officials have not yet released a cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.