According to a report from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office released Tuesday, a body found in a remote area of the Ozark National Forest was identified as 22-year-old Nicholas Collins of Tama County, Iowa. Collins had been reported missing after leaving home on December 19.
The report states that Collins’ vehicle had been located earlier near the Arbaugh Trailhead on the Ozark Highlands Trail in Johnson County. A coordinated search effort involving multiple agencies from across Arkansas and neighboring states was underway when the body was discovered just inside Newton County, roughly 1.7 miles from the trailhead in steep, rugged terrain.
Investigators determined that Collins died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Other evidence at the scene supported the conclusion of suicide.
Recovery of the body was challenging due to the terrain, requiring nearly 40 personnel from at least 12 organizations. Agencies and volunteers involved included the Johnson and Newton County sheriff’s offices, multiple search-and-rescue teams, the Arkansas State Police Emergency Response Team, local police and fire departments, U.S. Forest Service, and specialized K9 units.
The report noted that the search covered nearly 1,700 rugged acres near the vehicle location and included the use of helicopters, drones, GPS tracking, and ground search teams. The sheriff’s office extended condolences to Collins’ family.
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