PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The body of a motorcyclist who has been missing for roughly two weeks was found along the side of I-275 Thursday morning, officials say.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, two highway workers discovered the body of 27-year-old Jimmy Butler while they were picking up trash.
Thursday afternoon Jimmy Butler's family stated the body was Jimmy through a Facebook post on a page dedicated to finding the missing man.
"I did receive a call from the police. Yes, that is our son Jimmy on I-275," the post reads. "Please remember what a joyous boy he was and how he grew into such a wonderful and loving man. I don't know what else to say, but I can tell you that I am struggling to see the screen through my tears."
Butler was last seen riding his motorcycle on November 18.
According to FHP, during the early morning hours of November 18, Butler was riding his motorcycle southbound on I-275 approaching 54th Avenue South. FHP says that "for an unknown reason" the motorcycle departed the roadway and entered the grass median where the bike overturned and collided with several trees. Upon impact, Butler was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered fatal injuries from the crash.
Butler's body was found along the SB shoulder of I-275 just north of 54th Avenue South at 10:55 a.m. Thursday. Butler's body was found roughly 50 feet from the roadway within the brush and tree line, workers also found pieces of the motorcycle.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
