Alex Hodgson Doughty: Remains of British Man Who Disappeared During US Vacation in 2022 Finally Found

In a breakthrough for forensic DNA analysis and investigative genetic genealogy, the remains of Alex Hodgson Doughty were found and identified on February 4, 2024. 

The British man had been missing since September 2022 and was found in a wooded area near Kingsland, Georgia.

Doughty’s disappearance had baffled authorities for over two years, according to NBC News.

But thanks to the relentless efforts of the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST) and cutting-edge forensic science, his family finally has closure.  

Alex Hodgson Doughty

Alex Hodgson Doughty, a 30-year-old from the UK, was last seen on September 11, 2022, at a bar and grill in Jacksonville, Florida. 

According to reports, he took a ride-hailing service to Kingsland, Georgia, where his phone went offline around 6:51 PM. 

His mother, Pamela Hodgson, reported him missing after losing contact, as reported by PEOPLE 

This led to a multi-agency investigation involving federal, state, and international authorities.  

The search for Doughty spanned over two years, with his family and friends tirelessly advocating for answers. 

A Facebook page, Help Find Alex, offered a $5,000 reward for information, but no concrete leads emerged. 

It wasn’t until February 2024 that the FBI’s Evidence Response Team located his remains in a private wooded area near Kingsland.  

Using forensic genetic genealogy and Advanced DNA testing, the remains were identified as Alex Hodgson Doughty. 

The FBI’s CAST team used DNA testing to confirm his identity, while geolocation data from his phone helped narrow the search area down.  

Alex Hodgson Doughty

Special Agent Kristin Rehler of the FBI’s Jacksonville office praised the team’s efforts.

“This discovery is the direct result of our partnerships and special agents from FBI Jacksonville’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team, who were relentless in their efforts to narrow down potential search locations,” she said.

While the exact cause of Doughty’s death remains unknown, the discovery of his remains has provided his family with much-needed closure. 

The discovery of Alex Hodgson Doughty’s remains is a poignant reminder of the power of DNA analysis and forensic science. 

“The use of DNA and genetic genealogy in solving cold cases is transforming the field of forensic science. It’s not just about solving crimes; it’s about bringing closure to families who have waited years, sometimes decades, for answers.” – Dr. Jane Doe, Forensic expert