Search for missing man ends tragically

A search that was underway for several days for a missing Hull man has ended with what appears to be the discovery of his body.

Ryan Melancon, 54, went missing sometime around Monday, Aug. 7, when he was last seen in the Hull-Daisetta area. By Thursday, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office had released his photo and other vital information in hopes of locating the man.

Melancon’s truck was discovered off FM 834 and a subsequent search of the area resulted in the discovery of his body in a wooded area several hundred feet off the roadway around 3:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11.

There appeared to be no sign of foul play according to law enforcement and Liberty County Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 Jimmy Belt conducted the inquest at the scene and ordered an autopsy.

The autopsy was set to be performed on Tuesday afternoon at the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s office.