A body found Friday afternoon in a wooded area is believed to be that of Roger Ramirez, 30, who was reported missing Nov. 30.

The body was discovered by a person walking their dog at approximately 4:45 p.m. Friday. When the dog went into the wooded area at the intersection of Emmett Drive and 24th Street, the dog's owner followed the pet and discovered the body.

Ramirez' girlfriend, Jessica Mendieta, also of Tifton, told the Tifton Gazette last week that Ramirez was missing. She said that Ramirez dropped her off at her house Nov. 30, took her car while she and her mother shopped in Albany and she couldn't get an answer when she attempted to call and text message him. When she returned to Tifton, she said, she found her car parked in front of his Wilson Avenue address, his cell phone and money inside the house and a handwritten note that stated, in part, that he loved his family and that he was very sorry for things that had happened in his life.

Ronald Ramirez, Roger Ramirez' brother, and his wife, Nicole, traveled from Roselle Park, N.J., last week and announced that they were offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to information that would let them know Roger Ramirez was safe. Ronald Ramirez said his family was close and that it was unusual for he and his brother not to talk on the telephone at least once each week. Roger Ramirez also said that his brother had suffered from depression and was having financial difficulties.

Tift County Coroner Mike Beaumont said Saturday that the body has been sent to the GBI Crime Lab in Atlanta and an autopsy is expected to be performed Monday.

"We feel almost certain it was him," Beaumont. "It's a sad situation."

Beaumont said it did not appear that any foul play was involved in Ramirez' death.

Bryan Cavenaugh, a detective with the Tifton Police Dept., said Saturday that law enforcement officers found Ramirez' drivers and firearms licenses on his body. Cavenaugh said police believe Ramirez died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.