Search
Close this search box.

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

“My humble opinion is that we need the steady logical input from Brett Hinley for Okaloosa school board district 5. He’s a native of Niceville, went to school here and...”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 30, 2026
“2:34, 6 attempts”
Respond
“How wonderful it would be if you left it 'old school' - a slice of Old Florida Experience. I'm fearful that what Hgifford says might be the future.”
Respond
“Dr. Diane, I have been on the sidelines of your career for many years . You are an inspiration for women in many careers. Offering you many well wishes for...”
Respond
“I miss Demetriu’s friendly face and lively personality at the Magnolia Clinic. Every time I drive through the intersection where the accident happened I just say a prayer for Demetrius...”
Respond
“I hope the motel will be renovated, but having lived here since 1955, I have seen this before: keep the locals happy by saying renovate. But, in reality, it will...”
Respond
“Demetrius's absence is still deeply felt by the patients of the clinic where he worked for many years.”
Respond
“This was such devastating news the day we lost Demetrius! He was so loved by so many in the community! Gone but never forgotten ! This guy should get life...”
Respond
“Dimitrius was a very loved person by so many citizens of Ft. Walton Beach. He will never be replaced. He is dearly missed by so many.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

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