A months-long search for a missing Muskogee County man has come to a tragic end after authorities confirmed a body discovered earlier this month is that of Erik Throne.

According to the Muskogee County Sheriff ’s Office, Throne, 56, had been missing since Dec. 14, 2025, when he was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident near East Highway 64 and South 105th Street East, also known as Ross Road, in the Webbers Falls area.

Witnesses told authorities they saw a man matching Throne’s description walking eastbound from the scene shortly after the crash.

He was last seen wearing a gray ball cap, blue hoodie and blue jeans.

A missing persons report was initially filed with the Muskogee Police Department on Dec. 29, before the Muskogee County Sheriff ’s Office assumed control of the case on Dec. 31.

In the weeks that followed, multiple searches were conducted in the Webbers Falls area, including a coordinated operation on Jan. 13 near South 105th East and East 193rd Street South, where residents were advised to expect a significant law enforcement presence.

The search efforts continued for several months.

On March 13, at around 2:20 p.m., Muskogee County dispatch received a call reporting the discovery of a body in a pond near the in- tersection of Highway 100 and Interstate-40 in Webbers Falls. Deputies, along with the Webbers Falls Police Department and Webbers Falls Fire Department, responded to the scene and secured the area.

Authorities located a deceased male lying face up near the bank of the pond.

The individual was not immediately identified, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was called to assist with the investigation.

Following further examination and coordination with investigators, the remains were identified as Throne.

His next of kin has been notified.

As of March 23, officials said they are awaiting the official report from the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.