GBI Investigates Death at Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area in Towns County

UPDATE - March 6, 2024: 

The facts gathered in the investigation into Trevonte Jamal Shubert-Helton’s death show that he died by suicide. The GBI Medical Examiner’s preliminary findings support this conclusion.  

ORIGINAL RELEASE: 

Hiawassee, GA (February 22, 2024) – At the request of the Towns County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, GBI agents are investigating the death of Trevonte Jamal Shubert-Helton, age 29, of Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia.   

The investigation shows that Shubert-Helton was discovered by a hiker at the Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area during the afternoon hours of February 21, 2024. The hiker contacted Towns County 911 to alert authorities about the death. The preliminary investigation indicates this death is an isolated incident and Shubert-Helton was by himself at the WMA. 

Shubert-Helton will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be performed.. 

This investigation is active and ongoing.