First responders put out a request last week for the Coopers Community to look out for 15-year-old Jeffrey Epps, a nonverbal autistic boy, that had been reported missing. After more than two-and-a-half days of searching, with over 200 reported community members and multiple organizations assisting, Epps’ body was recovered from a pond about a mile from his residence on the 100 block of Torrence Road.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the recovery of the body of Jeffrey Epps at approximately 16:14 today.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the more than 200 volunteers, as well as the dedicated public safety and law enforcement agencies, whose tireless efforts made this possible,” the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office posted Nov.
26 to its Facebook. “At this difficult time, we ask that the privacy of Jeffrey’s family be respected. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this challenging period.”
The search for Epps expanded beyond Baldwin County, bringing citizens from multiple counties and multiple public safety organizations together in an attempt to bring him home.
“This has been a heartbreaking and unimaginable time, yet we have been carried by the compassion, dedication, and unity each of you has shown,” the sheriff’s office posted to Facebook. “Although the outcome is one we prayed we would never face, please know that your efforts brought strength, hope, and comfort to our family during our darkest hours. You searched tirelessly, driven by kindness and a shared commitment to bringing our child home. Your presence reminded us that we were never alone.” Epps is survived by his mother Deborah Epps of Milledgeville, father William E. “Billy” Hodges of Putnam County, and his grandmother, Merle Epps of Milledgeville. According to Epps’ obituary, the family will host funeral services and burial privately for their immediate family and close friends.
Special Education Teacher Brit Gardner posted to Facebook that donations to support the family can be made directly to Williams Funeral Home either in person or online for the Epps Family by visitingwilliamsfuneralhome. net/ payments-and-donations/ donations.
“Jeffrey brought a light to our school that could be felt by everyone around him. His gentle presence, his unique spirit, and the way he connected with those who supported and cared for him made a lasting impact on our community,” Baldwin High School posted to its Facebook page. “He will be deeply missed by his teachers, his friends, and the many support systems who walked alongside him each day. Jeffery’s life touched countless hearts and his memory will continue to inspire warmth, understanding, and compassion in all who knew him.”
Tributes may be added to Epps’ wall on his online obituary at williamsfuneralhome. net. All agencies ask to please consider the family’s request for privacy and solace at this time.