Anthony Rumplik: Body of missing 43-year-old Ohio man found inside home's chimney after month-long search

MACON, GEORGIA: Anthony Rumplik, aged 43, was reported missing and his body was found inside the chimney of a residence.

Notably, he was last spotted in the 2200 block of Courtland Avenue near Montpelier Avenue in Macon on December 28, 2023.

Authorities initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his mysterious death.

After confirming the recovery of the 43-year-old man's body on Friday, authorities promptly arranged an autopsy and also disclosed additional details about Rumplik obtained from his family to uncover the motive behind the missing man's death.

What did authorities report?

Rumplik was renting the residence where his body was discovered. Initially, the landlord found the door open and observed a suspicious scene inside the house. 

Concerned, the landlord then contacted Rumplik's family. Last week, the family arrived in Georgia and searched, distributing flyers and calling out Rumplik's name on a bullhorn.

The local Sheriff's Office received a report just after 9 pm indicating the discovery of a person inside the chimney.

Coroner Leon Jones confirmed on Saturday that the body found was indeed Anthony Rumplik, declared deceased at 8:17 pm.

The fire department was called in to assist with the removal of the body, and an autopsy is expected to be conducted.

Mike Hammett, in conversation with WGXA, disclosed that the body was found in his own house.

According to Hammett, Rumplik had lived with him and his family before disappearing. In light of this shocking revelation, he has contacted Rumplik's family, as reported by Crimeonline. 

What did Anthony Rumplik’s family claim?

Marlo Rumplik, Anthony's sister, also spoke to WGXA, stating, "My family needs my brother either to get him help, medical help right away, or to go into burial arrangements."

The Rumplik family shared that Anthony traveled to Macon in February last year, seeking respite from Ohio's harsh winter. They disclosed that he was on his way to Florida when his motorcycle broke down and was stolen, leaving him stranded.

He spent a significant amount of time around Courtland Avenue and Napier Avenue. Anthony Rumplik relied on Social Security Disability Insurance and financial support from his family. Before moving in with a friend he met at a local homeless shelter, he often sought refuge in such shelters.

"He had just got this other one [motorcycle] and he was trying to get it back up and on the road and get it legal and again. My father has to guide him on what to do next because mentally, it is kind of that of a 13-year-old," Marlo added.

According to Rumplik's family, he suffers from schizophrenia and renal failure. He stands at approximately 5'10" and weighs around 175 pounds. Typically, he wears his hair in a ponytail as per 13WMAZ.