FROM STAFF REPORTS

The body of Robert Clay Abernathy, a 35-year-old Bessemer man reported missing in Jefferson County on March 4, was found on Saturday, March 19 in a wooded area in Alabaster on property owned by Cheney Lime.

Shelby County investigators had been communicating daily with Jefferson County investigators, according to a press release from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Shelby County investigators had previously spoken with management at Cheney Lime and searched the 586-acre property because Abernathy was employed there.

The death will remain under investigation pending results from an autopsy scheduled for today.

Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry sent his regrets and condolences to Abernathy’s family, friends and co-workers.

“I am very sorry for their loss,” Curry said.