The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an Independence County man who was found dead this morning in the Ozark National Forest in Southern Baxter County.

     At approximately 6:15 AM, the Sheriff’s Office received a third party report of a suicidal male said to be at a wilderness camp site in the area of Baxter CR 74 (McGowan Road) a short distance off Push Mountain Road.  The caller, who was a friend and pastor of the victim, stated he received a text message from the victim saying he was “going to end it all”.

     A Wildlife Officer with the Game and Fish Commission was the first officer to arrive at the location at approximately 6:45 AM, followed a few minutes later by Sheriff’s deputies.  The man, identified as 37 year old GENESIS A. BULLARD of Rosie, Arkansas in Independence County, was found to be deceased at the camp site.  He appeared to have died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  The weapon was found at the scene and taken into evidence.  A note written by the victim was found, and investigators are working with the family to determine the motive and gather other information.  There is no indication of foul play.

     The Baxter County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene to remove the body of the victim.  The location was actually determined to be on Forest Service Road 1127, which is very near Baxter CR 74.  The Arkansas State Police also assisted at the scene.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff