The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office recently made a grim discovery in Macon, Georgia, as deputies found the decomposing body of a missing 43-year-old man wrapped in a blanket and stuffed inside a chimney of a home he was renting.

Anthony Rumplik, who had been missing since December 28, 2023, was last seen near the 2200 block of Courtland Avenue. His family revealed that he struggled with schizophrenia and renal failure, shedding light on his vulnerability.

On January 19, shortly after 9 p.m., authorities responded to Rumplik’s residence in the 1000 block of Courtland Avenue after his roommate spotted a ladder against the house. Upon investigation, Rumplik’s body was found inside the chimney, shrouded in a blanket.

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones noted that Rumplik had likely been deceased for several weeks given the state of decomposition of his remains, adding a tragic layer to the already distressing situation.

Rumplik’s family, who had traveled from Ohio to Macon in search of him, shared insights into his struggles. They disclosed his previous bouts of homelessness in Macon and his frequent hospitalizations, painting a picture of a man grappling with severe challenges.

The landlord, noticing the open door of the house, raised concerns and reported Rumplik missing, setting off a chain of events that led to the grim discovery.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is set to conduct an autopsy to ascertain the cause of Rumplik’s death and to provide positive identification.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities aim to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Rumplik’s tragic demise, offering closure to his loved ones and ensuring justice is served.

The community is left reeling from this unsettling revelation, grappling with the loss of a member whose struggles highlight the urgent need for support and understanding of mental health issues.