Man found dead in well in Virginia was traveling with faith group, missing for weeks

Investigators are working to learn what happened to a 21-year-old man whose body was pulled from a well outside a church in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.

Around 12:15 p.m. Monday, law enforcement responded to 9367 Highway 903 in Bracey, close to Lake Gaston, after churchgoers from St. Stephen Rzua Church smelled an odor coming from a nearby well.

First responders climbed inside the well, which was 2 feet wide and 50 feet deep, and retrieved the body. Authorities sent the body to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities identified the man as Graham Norris Horne, 21, who had been reported missing in August.

According to the sheriff’s office, Horne was last seen Aug. 15, when he was traveling with Met by Love Ministries. The faith-based group had stopped at Simmons Truck Stop in Bracey to get fuel.

Horne got into a disagreement with some people he was traveling with and walked away from the truck stop, the sheriff’s office said. He did not have a phone with him and has no ties to the local community.

WRAL News reached out to Met by Love Ministries, but they would not comment on the investigation.

In the search for Horne, the sheriff’s office shared surveillance photos of the man on Facebook, hoping someone would have seen him.

An investigation into Horne’s death is ongoing.

On Monday the sheriff’s office, South Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Gaston Fire Department and Southside Rescue all responded to the well where Horne was found.

The South Hill Volunteer Fire Department posted photos on Facebook, writing:

“Our team responded to a highly demanding and challenging technical rescue call in Lake Gaston. The operation tested our skills, and resilience, but we remained steadfast in our commitment to this community. Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends affected during this difficult time. We also ask that you keep our first responders in your thoughts and prayers as well.”

An investigation into Horne’s death is ongoing.