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Family mourns after missing Forsyth Co. teen's body found in Tennessee mountains

According to police, a week after being reported missing, the 16-year-old's body was recovered from a creek bed in the Tellico Plains mountains.

MONROE COUNTY, Tenn. -- Police in east Tennessee have made a tragic discovery after a days-long search for a missing Georgia teen.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee, 16-year-old Ryan Haley from Cumming, Georgia disappeared on March 21 with investigators believed he had traveled north to Tellico Plains, Tennessee around the Coker Creek area.

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Multiple agencies, including the sheriff's office, the Monroe County Rescue Squad and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, organized a search for Haley on Saturday after the forestry service discovered clothing, a wallet and a cell phone while clearing trails Friday.

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A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said they found the body of what appeared to be a young man in a creek on Saturday. Haley's family later identified that body as their missing son.

Now, a search has turned to funeral plans with Haley's family holding a private service for him on Friday.

"Ryan loved skateboarding, outdoors, hiking, animals and hanging out with his friends," his obituary read. "He is survived by his parents[...], sister, grandparents, and numerous other loving relatives and friends."

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking mourners and friends to donate to the National Center for Missing And Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com. Those interested can also donate to the Forsyth County, Georgia Humane Society.

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