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Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Hedrick and family member of Harold “Jake” Skipper Orlando Matthews search for Skipper Saturday in downtown Ferriday. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Cindi Scuili comforts a family member of Harold “Jake” Skipper after receiving the news that Skipper’s body was found Saturday in Ferriday. “I didn’t know who she was, I just knew she needed someone to hug her for a minute,” Scuili said. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Below, Skipper’s family and a group of Ferriday’s residents join hands during the search for Harold “Jake” Skipper Saturday in downtown Ferriday. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

FERRIDAY — A Ferriday man who went missing Wednesday was found dead Saturday morning in Ferriday, authorities said.

Harold “Jake” Skipper, 82, was reported missing Thursday. He had left his home on foot to visit downtown Ferriday and had been last seen Wednesday afternoon walking on the 900 block of First Street headed toward his residence.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Hedrick would not release details of the discovery to spare the family additional pain. Hedrick asked community members to keep Skipper’s family in their prayers.

Hedrick said foul play is not suspected. Skipper’s body has been sent for an autopsy, he said.

Hedrick said he appreciated the first responders, medical personnel, Wildlife and Fisheries agents, Ferriday Police Department, FPD Chief Arthur Lewis, the citizens of Ferriday and Skipper’s family for their help in the search.

Hedrick also thanked Aaron Maroon and FPD officer Walter Mackel for using their drones to assist in the search.

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