A missing ATV rider was found dead Friday after a search party was sent out to find him.

John Ragsdale, 57, of Buxton, left around 3 p.m., Thursday to ride his ATV along the Buxton Trail in Washington County. He had planned to return home by dusk but never did.

The search began Friday morning after his family called police for help around 3 a.m.

Authorities said Ragsdale did not have extra food or water with him. He was wearing warm pants and a light T-shirt.

He was driving a 2008 ATV and authorities said he was found near the machine, in steep terrain. They have not elaborated on the exact cause of death, except to say that they believe it was "an accident."