News Release

Shenandoah National Park missing person investigation suspended

Date: January 3, 2023
Contact: Claire Comer, [phone] ext. 3183

LURAY, VA – Based on a preliminary identification of remains found Monday, January 2, 2023 by Shenandoah National Park and Virginia Department of Emergency Management staff, the investigation into missing person James Alan Cattley has been suspended. 

The body of a male believed to be Mr. Cattley was discovered by searchers at 11:20 a.m. on January 2 in the southern part of the park near where his vehicle was found. Mr. Cattley, 66, of North Garden, Virginia was reported missing on December 12. His vehicle was discovered at the Turk Mountain parking area on December 14 as Rangers closed Skyline Drive in anticipation of an ice storm which caused heavy damage in Shenandoah National Park.  

The body was transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Augusta County for positive ID and determination of cause of death.