FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ga. — Just weeks before he would have turned 45, Josh English was found dead along a lonely stretch of Kesler Road — a discovery that has left his family reeling and investigators with more questions than answers.
Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call on the morning of December 7, 2025. The report described a person lying unresponsive by the roadside. When officers arrived, they found Josh — unresponsive and motionless. Despite immediate life-saving attempts from first responders, it was too late.
In keeping with standard procedure for roadside deaths with uncertain circumstances, the local sheriff’s office requested the help of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). State agents have taken over the investigation. As of now, they have not released a cause or manner of death and confirm the case remains active.
Although authorities initially withheld the identity of the deceased, his family later confirmed it was Josh. His brother, Jason English, spoke to media and described Josh as a man with “a heart of gold,” someone always ready to help those in need. He recalled how Josh grew up with him — born in Atlanta and raised mostly in Gwinnett County — and how deeply he was loved by family and friends.
The family has expressed shock and confusion over how Josh ended up on that side of Kesler Road, unable to understand what could have happened. They’ve launched an online campaign to help cover funeral expenses, while pleading with anyone who might have been in that area on December 7 — or who has any information — to reach out to investigators.
In a public message, Sheriff Scott Andrews reiterated that his office is committed to a “thorough and transparent” process. He added thanks to the GBI for stepping in and encouraged people with any useful information to come forward — stressing that right now, the priority is understanding what happened to Josh.
For now, the cause of death remains unknown. The investigation continues, and Josh’s family — and a hurting community — await answers.
