Remains found in Hart Co. are those of missing Cleveland man

37-year-old Douglas Cordell Barnes had been missing since July when he left home in Cleveland to go on a fishing trip to Lake Hartwell.

His remains were found Sept. 4 in woods near Lavonia by a landowner who was checking his trail cameras. But it was not until this week that they were positively identified as Barnes’, according to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office.

The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and used dental records to confirm the identity. The cause of death has not been released and investigators are not saying whether they suspect foul play.

 (Photo courtesy Hart Co. Sheriff’s Office)