70-year-old hunter found dead in Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest

LAWRENCE COUNTY Ala.

An Alabama man that had gone missing while hunting was found about 24 hours later deceased in the Bankhead Forest.

Multiple agencies had been looking for 70-year-old Danny Whitaker after he vanished while hunting according to the sheriff’s office.

Lawrence County Sheriff Max Sanders said the discovery was made about 11 a.m.

Friends and family said Whitaker, an avid hiker and experienced hunter from Phil Campbell, left his home in Thursday’s predawn hours to go bow hunting. He was supposed to be home by noon.

When his family saw that he had not returned they contacted the authorities and a massive search ensued by roughly 14 agencies, Sanders said, including several county emergency management agencies and ALEA.

Whitaker’s car, a black Nissan Altima, was found late Thursday afternoon near Pine Torch Church.

No foul play is suspected.

It’s not known if an autopsy will be performed.