Remains found by hunters identified as missing Clay County man

Hunters find remains in Jennings State Forest near where Hal Warth disappeared

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – The Clay County Sheriff's Office announced Friday that human remains found last month in Jennings State Forest were identified as 79-year-old Hal Warth, who disappeared from his home last August about 3 miles away.

Despite a five-day search of 1,000 acres, Warth was never found. 

Recommended Videos



Squirrel hunters found the remains on Jan. 8 off Hattie Nolan Road, near a section of the 10,000-acre state forest. Investigators said the remains were badly decomposed and needed to be identified by DNA. While the exact cause of death will take additional testing, foul play is not suspect.

Deputies said it's rare for someone to disappear in the forest.