The body of a rural Paynesville man, missing since Nov. 21, was found Monday near his home by Meeker County Sheriff's Office personnel.

Clinton Joseph Ness, 22, was reported missing by family members on Friday, Nov. 24. They reported last seeing Ness on Nov. 20, and last talking to him via telephone on Nov. 21. The vehicle normally driven by Ness was found at his residence, 39904 Tri County Road.

The sheriff's office performed a search around Ness's home Monday and found his body in a wooded area a short distance from his home.

The death is under investigation by the Meeker County Sheriff's Office and Meeker County Coroner's Office.