(KAIR)--A search for a missing elderly Atchison man ends tragically, with his body discovered Thursday morning in rural Doniphan County.

An extensive search had been launched for 79-year-old Garland Blanton, who was last seen alive mid-morning Tuesday, as he walked out of his Atchison apartment complex, on Santa Fe Street.

Blanton’s SUV was first located in rural Doniphan County, with Atchison Police working with the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks, and Tourism to search for Blanton.

Atchison Police interviews with Blanton’s family members revealed him to be a mushroom hunter whose search often took him to certain areas of Doniphan County.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson confirmed Blanton’s death late Thursday morning, saying his death is considered to be the result of natural causes while he was mushroom hunting.