Found Deceased VA - Jacob Whaley, adult, car abandoned during storm, texted "I'm lost", Spotsylvania, 3 Jan 2022

[kelsie]

Police in Virginia search for man missing since snowstorm

Police in Virginia are searching for a man who went missing during Monday's snowstorm.

Authorities in Hanover, Spotsylvania and Louisa counties are working together to find Jacob Whaley, who went missing in Hanover County, WRIC-TV reports.

According to a family member, Jacob Whaley was driving home Monday when his truck went into a ditch. He called a relative and said he would walk the rest of the way, which was about 6 miles (9.7 kilometers). A few hours later, Whaley texted family “I’m lost” before his phone died and he has not been heard from since. When his family found his vehicle, they located his jacket inside.

Whaley’s car has been found in Hanover County near the boundary with Spotsylvania, police said, but Whaley has not been found in searches of the area.

Police asking for help finding man missing after winter storm | 8News

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Hanover police asking for help finding man missing after winter storm | WAVY.com

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[beatrixpotter]

6 miles is a LONG way to try and walk in a snowstorm. I wonder why he didn't call for help? If anyone in my family called in those circumstances we'd be telling them do NOT try and do this and then driving out to get them. I wonder what happened? Leaving his jacket inside to walk too? All very odd...

 

[azure]

6 miles is a LONG way to try and walk in a snowstorm. I wonder why he didn't call for help? If anyone in my family called in those circumstances we'd be telling them do NOT try and do this and then driving out to get them. I wonder what happened? Leaving his jacket inside to walk too? All very odd...

IMO he was already hypothermic when he began to walk without his jacket. That or a head injury from driving into the ditch.

 

[patty24]

Jacob Walley has been found deceased, per his sisters Facebook page.

 

[LauraAnne]

This is so sad. A victim of a weather related accident apparently.

 

[swanniee11]

Log into Facebook
***UPDATE***
We are saddened to report that Jacob Whaley was located deceased this evening by searchers. Thank you to all who took the time to share his flier. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jacob's friends and family during this difficult time.
Attempt to Locate
UPDATE: Found Deceased
The best verification I can find right now. So very sad! Rest easy Mr whaley.

 

[hey-Debbie]

RIP so sorry for his family's loss.