News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the safe recovery of Benjamin Arthur Stevenson, who was reported missing. Sadly, another individual, Darren Mulligan, was found deceased. Stevenson was located after his family reported his disappearance, while Mulligan’s body was discovered following a search after he was last seen days earlier. Both cases highlight the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.
Bluffton, SC – Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Confirms Safe Recovery of Missing Individuals, One Found Deceased
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has confirmed the safe recovery of a missing man, while also reporting the death of another individual. Benjamin Arthur Stevenson, 27, of Bluffton, was located safe and unharmed after being reported missing by his family. In a separate incident, the body of 49-year-old Darren Mulligan was found deceased on January 20, 2025.
Details on Benjamin Arthur Stevenson
Stevenson had been reported missing by his family after they lost contact with him since 1 p.m. on Sunday. Concerns for his well-being intensified when his abandoned vehicle was discovered on Monday along Interstate 95 in Jasper County. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the BCSO in the search efforts. Fortunately, Stevenson has now been confirmed safe, alleviating fears for his safety.
Investigation into Darren Mulligan’s Death
Contrastingly, the situation surrounding Mulligan is more somber. His body was located in the Gibbet Road area of Bluffton following a search that commenced after he was reported missing on January 15, 2025. Mulligan was last seen leaving the Albany Grocery Store at approximately 1 p.m. on January 11, 2025. Concerns had arisen regarding his safety due to mobility issues, as he is wheelchair-bound and described as standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 170 pounds. Specific details about his clothing at the time of his disappearance remain unknown.
The investigation into Mulligan’s death is ongoing, with officials working to determine the circumstances surrounding his passing. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information related to Mulligan’s case and encourages anyone with relevant details to reach out to Investigator Petruzzi at 843-255-3267. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County through the P3 Tips app or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).
Background Context
Missing person cases can evoke strong community engagement and concern, particularly when individuals face vulnerabilities, such as health issues. Stevenson’s case illustrates the urgency and collaborative efforts of local law enforcement when someone goes missing. The response included the cooperation of multiple agencies, reflecting the serious approach taken when individuals’ safety is in jeopardy.
In contrast, Mulligan’s tragic outcome raises questions and the urgency of understanding how he went missing and the factors that led to his death. The BCSO’s ongoing investigation aims to bring clarity to this incident, ensuring that community members remain informed and vigilant in similar situations in the future.
As local authorities handle both cases, the community is reminded of the importance of communication and diligence when it comes to the safety of its members.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Family and Authorities Seek Help in Finding Missing Teen
St. Helena Island Seeks Help to Find Missing Teen
Search for Missing Teenagers in Beaufort County
Missing Teen Earl Fields III Found Safe in Beaufort
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Locate Missing Endangered Man
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- WTOC: Beaufort County Deputies Searching Missing Endangered Man
- Google Search: Beaufort County Missing Person
- WIS TV: Beaufort County Man Arrested Charged with Murder
- Google Scholar: Missing Person Investigation
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Searching Missing Endangered Man
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Person Case
- WSAV: Beaufort Sheriff’s Asking for Help Locating Missing Man
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
