Identity of body found in Newark confirmed as missing Heath man

The Licking County Coroner's Office has confirmed the body found near the bike path is that of Jacob Geller of Heath.

Geller was reported missing on May 29 by his family after he went missing from their home. According to the Licking County Coroner's report, he died by means of suicide with a firearm.

Geller was found by a K9 group associated with the Muskingum County-based Ohio Rescue Dog Association K9 Search Team on Sunday, June 9. The Licking County Sheriff's Office, Heath Police and Fire Departments, Granville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and friends and family of Geller searched for him over the course of ten days.

Geller was 23 years old and graduated from Heath High School in 2014. He later graduated from Muskingum University in 2018 with a degree in Business & Marketing. There, he was a four-year letterman in basketball, and team captain his senior year. He was employed with Total Quality Logistics in Columbus. 

Friends and family of Geller may call at The Heath Church of Christ, 1331 Chapel Way, on Friday, June 14, from 3-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 ,with Pastor David Linn at The Heath Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to Muskingum University in Jake's name, 163 Stormont Street, New Concord.