Autopsy planned for 22-year-old Branson resident found dead in bluffs near Highway 65

(From the Branson Police Department)

Taney County Coroner Kevin Tweedy has made positive identification of a body found in Branson this past Sunday. 

Branson patrol officers responded to a bluff area north of Main Street at Highway 65 after two hikers in the area discovered a body. Patrol officers located a deceased person who had been at that location for an extended time period. 

Due to the length of time the body had been exposed to the elements, it was difficult to confirm positive identification. The coroner used dental records to confirm the identity as 22-year-old Tommy Zeigler.
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The responding officers suspected the body may have been Mr. Zeigler who had been reported as a missing or endangered person since September 22. 

The police department dedicated over 500 hours of investigation into this incident including several days dedicated to searching areas based on tips provided by the public.
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“Our patrol officers and detectives worked diligently to find Mr. Zeigler and we express our condolences to his family for their loss,” stated Police Chief Stan Dobbins. “All our officers truly care about our residents and when our community experiences a loss like this, it hurts,” added Dobbins.
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The police department continues to investigate this incident though there was no evidence on the scene to indicate any foul play. 

Investigators from the police department are awaiting a cause of death to be determined by the Taney County Coroner. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week and test results may take several months to be returned to the Coroner and Detectives.