Hiker found dead on AT in Lumpkin County

DAHLONEGA - Hikers on the Appalachian Trail in Lumpkin County found a man dead Monday afternoon.

Investigator Darren Martin with the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Department said 54-year-old James J. Dutton was found leaning against a rock on the trail. Martin said it appears he died from natural causes, although an investigation continues.

"We are talking to the family and to other medical personnel that have dealt with him," said Martin.

Authorities received the call from the AT around 1:30 p.m., and Martin said it took over an hour for authorities to hike to the area where Dutton's body was discovered.

Dutton, who is from out of state, apparently had been hiking from Amicalola Falls to Blood Mountain