Missing Anderson man found near wreckage in ravine

Photo by Michael Woodward

Emergency crews work on accident victim for in ditch off of Olinda Road.

After not returning to work after lunch on Thursday, a missing man identified by his supervisor as James Eaton Latini, 22, of Anderson, was found alongside the wreckage of an overturned truck down a 30-foot embankment off Olinda Road Friday at 3:15 p.m.

Officers on scene could not verify how long Latini was in the ravine or the extent of his injuries.

"He's been down there 26 hours," said Keith Conger, owner of All Car and Truck Recycling on Olinda Road, adding that Latini had never left work after lunch before.

Responders could not say whether Latini was thrown out of the vehicle during its descent down the embankment or if he climbed out himself, according to Anderson Fire Protection District Chief Andy Nichols. Conger said he noticed a blood trail from the vehicle to where Latini was found.

Rushed to Mercy Medical Center, Latini's condition was still under evaluation at 4:34 p.m. At the hospital, Latini complained to his parents of being cold, according to Conger.