Missing Beaufort County man died by drowning, coroner confirms
A 79-year-old man recently found dead in northern Beaufort County died by drowning, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office said Tuesday.
Isaac Bussey Sr., a Lobeco resident, left his home on November 21 to go shrimping. Bussey’s relatives last heard from him at 3 p.m., and he was reported “missing and endangered” that evening. His last known location was Old Rail Bed Road in Lobeco, police said.
A day later, authorities suspended their search after finding remains believed to be Bussey, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
An autopsy revealed Bussey died on scene at the Paige Point Boat Landing, located about one mile from his last known location, on the day he went missing, according to Deputy Coroner Shane Bowers. The public boat landing provides access to Huspah Creek and Whale Branch River.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is not investigating the drowning further, according to Lt. Daniel Allen.
A celebration of life service was held on Nov. 29 at the Burton New Church of Christ. A four-minute video prepared for an online obituary show pictures of Bussey with family and out in the waterways fishing.
