REMAINS FOUND Remains Of Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy Cadet Found In Cheat River
Reported by: Bethany Simmons
Web Producer: Bethany Simmons
Reported: Aug. 3, 2012 2:10 PM EDT
Updated: Aug. 3, 2012 5:15 PM EDT
Kingwood
, West Virginia
The remains of a cadet with the West Virginia National Guard ChalleNGe Academy at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia have been identified.
According to a release Lt. Col. David P. Lester with the West Virginia National Guard, the body of Gatlin Jones of Clintonville was found in the Cheat River.
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of cadet Gatlin Jones," said Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. "Joanne and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his parents, his family, his friends and the community of Clintonville. I know the staff and students at the ChalleNGe Academy are also mourning the loss of this young man."
Jones was last seen when he walked away from the West Virginia National Guard ChalleNGe Academy at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, West Virginia on July 18th.
"The men and women of the West Virginia National Guard and the staff of the ChalleNGe Academy send their heartfelt condolences to cadet Jones's family and friends," said Major Gen. James A. Hoyer, West Virginia Adjutant General. "We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure the health and well being of the students of the WV ChalleNGe Academy. Additional Chaplains and professional counselors have been at the Academy for several days now helping those in need and will continue to provide counseling and support in the days ahead."
The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy trains and mentors at-risk youth to become contributing members of society.
The Academy consists of a 5-month residential phase followed by a 1-year follow-up program which includes the support of a trained Mentor. This particular class began on July 16th.
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Bethany Simmons
