Body of Missing Person from Seymour, Texas Found in Buffalo Gap

TAYLOR COUNTY, Texas – The body of Joseph William Garcia, 42, of Seymour, Texas was discovered Wednesday evening on Highway 277 approximately six miles south of Coronado’s Camp in Buffalo Gap by TxDOT workers mowing grass in the area. Garcia’s family had reported him missing after his 1997 Ford Expedition was found on July 5, 2015 by Texas Department of Public Safety officials.

“The vehicle was originally involved in a low-speed vehicle crash,” said Sgt. Elias Guerra from the Taylor County Sheriff’s office. “I don’t know how much damage was involved because this was investigated by DPS, but the vehicle was apparently resting against some trees. DPS officials scoped the area, but didn’t find anyone.”

Guerra, who was called out with a Texas Ranger to the scene shortly after 5 p.m. after workers found the body, also said DPS officials attempted to contact Garcia after they had the vehicle towed, but were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the family had no word from him either, so they filed a Missing Persons report after learning officials had found his SUV.

Although Guerra cannot speculate at this time, he said the body, which officials confirmed to be Garcia, was located 130 yards from the initial site, but on the opposite side of where the vehicle crashed.

“At this time, there is no sign of foul play, nor does it appear he was hit by any vehicles,” Guerra said. “However, we do know that he got out of his car and walked away. We just don’t know anything else.”

Garcia’s body has been sent to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office, and DPS Texas Rangers are taking over the investigation, Guerra noted.

According to Times Record News article in Wichita Falls, Garcia moved from Utah to Baylor County to work on wind turbines.