ELKINS — A body was found alongside the vehicle belonging to a Tucker County man who has been missing in Randolph County for over a week, officials report.

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement regarding the “significant discovery” of a body, along with the vehicle of James Hedrick, 82, who has been missing since June 8.

According to the statement, at approximately 1:48 p.m. on Thursday, deputies with the Randolph County Sheriff’s were executing a search along an “old, logging-style road.” During this search, a member of the department located the vehicle belonging to Hedrick. After a brief search of the immediate surrounding area, officers also discovered a body.

“The identify of the deceased is currently unconfirmed,” the statement reads. “Final confirmation will be determined following an examination by the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office.”

The investigation into Hedrick’s disappearance remains “active,” according to the statement.

A resident of the Red Creek area of Tucker County, Hedrick, who suffers from dementia, was last seen leaving Davis Medical Center on June 8 in his black Subaru Forester bearing West Virginia registration 808111A. According to authorities, he traveled toward the Veterans Intersection after leaving the hospital.

Since June 8, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office conducted a “continuous, coordinated search effort,” alongside other law enforcement agencies, emergency services personnel, volunteers and Hedrick’s family members, the release states.

In a statement to The Inter-Mountain on June 10, Randolph County Sheriff Rob Elbon stated that the department was looking for any leads they could, and that they understood that Hedrick had about half a tank of gas left in the vehicle and no money on his person. The Sheriff’s Office had also asked residents and businesses with security cameras along roadways in Randolph County and surrounding areas to review footage from the time of Hedrick’s disappearance.

“The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest appreciation to the Hedrick family, partnering emergency service agencies and all community volunteers who dedicated their time and resourced to this search,” The Sheriff’s Office’s statement reads. “The Sheriff’s Office also extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hedrick during this difficult time.”