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The search for a missing Georgiana man ended tragically Thursday morning.

Searchers located the body of Ronnie Nelson Black, 73, in the early morning hours of Dec. 7. Butler County Sheriff Danny Bond said details of Black’s death are not yet known, but at present, no foul play is suspected in the cause of death.

“Mr. Black’s body was found near his residence,” Bond said. “This is still an ongoing investigation and there are still things we’ve got to do. There does not appear to be any foul play at this time, but we still have to [investigate] to make that determination.”

Immediate family members took to social media late Wednesday, asking for information from anyone who may have seen Black after dark on Tuesday. The family requested the community’s help with an area search around 6 a.m. Thursday morning and posted again just after 8 a.m. that the search was over.

“I thank everyone for their efforts,” wrote Matt Black, Ronnie’s son. “I regret to inform everyone the search has ended but not the way we wanted. Please just continue prayers for myself and Leah and all other family.”

The Sheriff’s Office requested the public’s help in locating Black on Dec. 6. According to an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) missing person alert, Black, a white male, was last seen wearing blue jeans and a khaki jacket in the Starlington Road area near Loves Way Church in Georgiana. At the time, citizens were alerted Black may have been living with a condition which could impair his judgment.

No further information is available as the Butler County Sheriff’s Office investigates the circumstances surrounding Black’s death.