On Monday, September 23, 2024, Danizy Arthur, 43, of Tatum, was reported missing by family members after last being seen on the morning of Sunday, September 22, when they dropped him off to go fishing at a location off Highway 43. Following the report, Patrol Deputies and Investigators initiated a ground search at his last known location and in areas where his cellphone had pinged in Rusk County.
On Tuesday, September 24, additional ground and K9 search teams from TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue) arrived to assist the Sheriff's Office. The search continued on Wednesday, September 25, involving Sheriff's Office personnel, Rusk County Investigators, and TEXSAR.
At approximately 10:15 AM on September 25, searchers discovered Arthur deceased at a nearby pond. The Precincts 1 & 4 Justice of the Peace was notified to conduct a death inquest, and investigators processed the scene. An autopsy has been ordered at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences (SWIFS) in Dallas.
The authorities extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Arthur's family and thank the private citizens, TEXSAR, Tatum Police Department, Rusk County Sheriff's Office, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Rangers, and Panola County Fire Marshal/Emergency Management for their assistance with this case.
