South Carolina

Search for missing man ends when body is discovered, South Carolina sheriff says

The search in South Carolina for a missing man who was believed to be in danger ended Tuesday when his body was found, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Christopher Polisena was reported missing Monday night by the sheriff’s department. The 48-year-old had not been seen since Sunday night, the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

At about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Polisena’s body was located by a sheriff’s department K-9 Unit, according to the release. The body was discovered in an underpass near I-77 and Farrow Road, the sheriff’s department said.

Deputies secured the scene, while members of the department’s Criminal Investigations Division, Crime Scene Investigations and the Richland County Coroner’s Office also responded to the area in Columbia.

The sheriff’s department said based on it’s initial findings Polisena’s death is “not believed to include foul-play.”

The coroner’s office has not released information about Polisena’s cause or manner of death.

Christopher Polisena was reported missing by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Christopher Polisena was reported missing by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Richland County Sheriff’s Department

Polisena was last seen Sunday at his Powell Road home, according to the release. That’s near Exit 19 on I-77, which is the junction with Farrow Road.

There was no word if Polisena was alone when he was last seen.

When he was reported missing, the sheriff’s department said that it was concerned for Polisena’s safety, “as he is believed to be a danger to himself.”

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This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 8:13 AM with the headline "Search for missing man ends when body is discovered, South Carolina sheriff says."

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Noah Feit
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription
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