Body found floating behind Fort Walton Beach home identified as missing 17-year-old

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed 17-year-old Brandon Bailey, who had been missing since November 27, was located deceased in the water behind a Beachview Drive residence.

A 17-year-old boy who went missing from Fort Walton Beach last week has been found deceased, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Bailey had been missing since Nov. 27, when he was last seen around 2:30 a.m. in the area of David Street. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing dark clothing, including a black long-sleeve shirt, sweatpants, and a black puffy jacket.

The teenager was described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds, with long dark hair reaching his shoulders.

“We are heartbroken to report that 17-year old Brandon Bailey was found deceased,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brandon’s family.”

No additional details about the circumstances were provided by authorities.

PROMOTION

4 Responses

  1. Was this foul play? Cause of death? Didn’t sound like he was dressed to go for a swim when last seen so I wonder why and how did he end up in that cold ass water??
    Condolences !

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

Vera Scavuzza commented on Jigsaw – “Costume Chaos”
“Me too. love them”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: November 4, 2026
“2:08, 5 attempts”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: November 3, 2026
“2:36, 5 attempts. Tough one....just one vowel at the end!”
Respond
“why are you rerunning a five year old story? Does it have new content or tie into a current story?”
Respond
“pre-sale?...these are rentals”
Respond
“What great memories. Thank you for sharing.”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: October 28, 2026
“fail, argh”
Respond
“Hello fellow divers! What depth will this beauty be laid to rest.?????”
Respond
“My FREND of close to 70 years and I went on a European tour n the summer of 1965 and sailed out of NYC aboard this ship,,,,,she stll lives n...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.