GBI Joins Investigation Into Death of Wadley Man Found Late Friday Night
Wadley, Georgia — A deep sense of sorrow has settled over the small town of Wadley after 20-year-old Jertydrick Flournoy was found lifeless late Friday evening under circumstances that local authorities say demand closer investigation. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was the first to respond to the scene, but within hours, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) had been called in—an indication that the case required additional expertise and oversight.
Deputies discovered Jertydrick Flournoy after receiving reports that led them to a location in the Wadley area late Friday night. Details about what prompted the call or what investigators encountered upon arrival remain undisclosed, but officials have confirmed that the initial findings immediately raised concerns. The decision to involve the GBI suggests that investigators are examining multiple possibilities regarding what happened in those final hours before Jertydrick’s passing.
Neighbors reported seeing increased police activity in the area, with investigators working late into the night collecting evidence, photographing the scene, and interviewing potential witnesses. Law enforcement has not yet released information about what caused his death or whether foul play is suspected, only noting that “the investigation is active and ongoing.”
For the Flournoy family, the wait for answers has been agonizing. Jertydrick was known in his community as a polite, ambitious young man who loved helping others. Friends describe him as someone who always offered a hand to neighbors, often seen around town with a friendly smile. He grew up in Wadley, where nearly everyone knows everyone, making the sudden loss even more personal for the town’s residents.
Family members have shared that the uncertainty surrounding what happened has been the hardest part. “We just want to know the truth,” said one relative. “He was only twenty, and he had his whole life ahead of him.”
The GBI’s involvement means investigators will use specialized resources, including forensic analysis, to piece together Jertydrick’s final moments. Officials have declined to release further details about the location where he was found or the type of evidence being examined, citing the sensitivity of the case. They have, however, urged anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual late Friday night to come forward.
“Someone out there knows something,” said a local officer. “Even the smallest detail could help us understand what happened.”
The Wadley community has come together in the wake of the tragedy, holding vigils and offering support to the Flournoy family. Churches have opened their doors for prayer services, and residents have placed candles and flowers near the area where deputies discovered Jertydrick.
As the investigation continues, both the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI are asking for patience and cooperation. They stress that uncovering the truth takes time but promise transparency once more facts are confirmed.
For now, Wadley grieves for a young man whose future was cut short and whose story remains unfinished. As investigators work through the night and the Flournoy family waits for clarity, one question continues to echo through the community: what really happened to Jertydrick Flournoy that night?
