Body of Missing Howard County Man Discovered

A Howard County man who was reported missing on Friday, May 22, was later found deceased following an extensive multi-agency search effort.

According to authorities, a caller reported that Joshua Hagood had not been seen since approximately 7 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Hagood was last seen at 371 Pump Springs Road.

On Saturday, May 23, search teams located a body in the area. The remains were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for positive identification and to determine the cause of death. Hagood’s dog was also found alive and was identified by family members.

Numerous volunteers and emergency response agencies assisted in the search operation, including the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Garland County Search and Rescue, Benton Search and Rescue, CAM Christian Aid Ministry, Nashville Fire Department, Nashville Police Department, Centerpoint Volunteer Fire Department, Athens Volunteer Fire Department, Umpire Volunteer Fire Department, Mineral Volunteer Fire Department, County Line Volunteer Fire Department, Dierks Fire Department, Miller County Office of Emergency Management, Miller County Search and Rescue, Bowie County Search and Rescue, Pafford EMS, Hempstead County Search and Rescue, the Office of Emergency Management, the “3R” K9 Search Team, the 9th West Judicial Task Force, and ADEM.

In total, 124 people and seven K9 teams participated in the search efforts.