Marine who died on Appalachian Trail will be honored on his final journey home to New York

Jun 01, 2023

Sean Willey, 21, of Ilion, N.Y., was discovered at a campsite in Shooting Creek in September 2022, when a resident found his skeletal remains near the Appalachian Trail.

Shooting Creek – The remains of Marine Lance Cpl. Sean MacLaughlin Willey will make the long journey home to New York this week amid full military honors thanks to the efforts of local law enforcement and veterans organizations.

Willey, 21, of Ilion, N.Y., was discovered at a campsite here in September 2022, when a resident found his skeletal remains near the Appalachian Trail.

The campsite was in a remote area, about a mile off the trails and about 2½ miles from the nearest house, according to the report. No foul play was suspected. Willey is believed to have been missing since April 2022.

DNA samples sent to the state lab confirmed Willey’s identity in February of this year.

“The family has been waiting for him to get home since last year,” Chief Deputy Todd Wingate said.

Willey had been discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps just prior to beginning his hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail, Wingate said. Willey also had a 3-year old-son who investigators believe he was on his way to see in New York

More than a year later, Willey will receive a proper send-off to his hometown, some 900 miles away from where he was found.

“He served our country and he earned our respect, for that this is the honorable thing to do,” Wingate said, “We want to extend our community’s grace to another community — to take care of him until we get him home.”

Willey’s life was honored in Clay County with a memorial service Thursday in front of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

The journey home began at 9 a.m. Friday, when a motorcade departed from the parking area in front of the sheriff’s office and escort Willey to his hometown. The trip, which is expected to take two days, will include escorts from veteran motorcycle groups and state police from state line to line.

Willey’s arrival in Ilion was expected Saturday, when he will be received by an official honor guard and funeral detail made up of U.S. Marines. They will receive Willey from the escorted motorcade and render the proper military honors to include the presentation of a folded flag to the family.

“The Marine Corps League Detachment 227 and other veteran organizations in Sean’s hometown have been involved in the planning of this reception and are equally anxious to have him back home. Family and friends will be present to finally welcome Sean home for a long-awaited reunion,” Wingate said.

All travel expenses have been paid by Clay County veterans and charitable donations. A custom crematory vault bearing the Marine Corps Seal was crafted and donated by a member of Marine Corps League Detachment 783 in Blairsville, Ga.

Additionally, a regulation foot locker was crafted for Sean’s personal property to be transported home in and serve as a legacy for Sean’s son one day. Contained in the property items is the dog tag worn by Sean, which was located by one of the cadaver K9s. Sean kept it laced in his boot as customary in the military for this very reason: “Semper Fi Teufel Hunden!”

Wingate said Nine Line Apparel and Fight The War Within Foundation have paired up and pledged their assistance with paying Willey’s funeral expenses. A commemorative T-shirt has been designed in honor of his service and dedication to helping others and supporting his fellow warriors by reminding all veterans that they are not alone. Scan the QR code in this story and type FTWWSean in the search bar for more details and how to contribute to the same cause that Sean was led to support.

“On behalf of everyone at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, we send our deepest condolences to Sean’s family and friends. To the community in The Village of Ilion, New York, from all of us in Hayesville, Clay County, North Carolina, we are humbled and honored that this responsibility has come to us and we will ensure every effort is made to return Sean home to you with dignity, respect and appreciation for his service and sacrifice to a grateful nation,” Sheriff Mark Buchanan said. “May God’s love find you, comfort you and keep you.”