Body of Missing 75-Year-Old Man Found in Georgia Storage Unit

Police investigating death of Douglas Salyer, who disappeared 7 months ago

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:40pm

The body of 75-year-old Douglas Salyer, who was reported missing in February 2026, was found in a storage unit in Macon, Georgia on March 19. Salyer was last seen by social workers at his home in August 2025. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the cause of death, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Salyer's disappearance and death.

Why it matters

This case raises concerning questions about the safety and wellbeing of elderly individuals, as well as the importance of thorough missing persons investigations. The discovery of Salyer's body in a storage unit months after his disappearance suggests potential foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

The details

According to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, investigators responding to a missing persons case discovered Salyer's body in a storage unit on Riverside Drive in Macon. The body was found in a plastic bin and has been sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for an autopsy. Salyer's nephew, Thomas Salyer, was previously arrested for allegedly stealing over $160,000 worth of property from Salyer's home, but no charges have been linked to Salyer's disappearance or death.

  • Douglas Salyer was last seen by social workers at his home on August 5, 2025.
  • Salyer was reported missing to police in early February 2026.
  • Salyer's body was discovered in a storage unit on March 19, 2026.
  • An autopsy was scheduled for March 20, 2026.

The players

Douglas Salyer

A 75-year-old man who was reported missing in February 2026 and whose body was later found in a storage unit in Macon, Georgia.

Thomas Salyer

The nephew of Douglas Salyer, who was previously arrested for allegedly stealing over $160,000 worth of property from Douglas' home.

Bibb County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the death of Douglas Salyer.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

The agency conducting the autopsy on Douglas Salyer's body to determine the cause of death.

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What they’re saying

“Investigators responded to the 10 Federal storage units located at 4100 Riverside Drive while investigating a missing person case. During the search of a storage unit, Investigators located a deceased person.”

— Bibb County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The Bibb County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will continue their investigation into the death of Douglas Salyer, including the autopsy results and any potential connection to the previous arrest of his nephew, Thomas Salyer.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the importance of thorough missing persons investigations and the need for greater protections and support for vulnerable elderly individuals. The discovery of Salyer's body months after his disappearance raises serious concerns about his safety and the circumstances surrounding his death.