The victim of an apparent homicide has been identified as Ernie Walthour Sr. by Liberty County Coroner Reginald Pierce.

Walthour's body was found outside a mobile home on Lewis Frasier Road about 1:30 a.m. Monday, according to Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes. Other media reports said several reports to the sheriff's office led to deputies going to the home and finding the body.

Walthour, 46, has been well known around Liberty County and beyond for his work with youth, athletics and for organizing an annual festival. He also worked as a bondsman. Walthour organized and was a coach for the Coastal Crew Rebels basketball program, helped organize athletic and mentoring programs at St. James Community Church's community center, was head basketball coach at First Presbyterian Christian Academy and coached basketball for the Youth ChalleNGe program on Fort Stewart.

His annual Summer Slam festival for sports, music and popular culture was to begin this weekend. It was unclear what will happen with the festival

Sikes said Walthour's body was found in the yard of the home. The sheriff said the investigation continues.

Pierce said Walthour's body has been sent for an autopsy by the GBI. Authorities have not said how Walthour was killed. Consistent reports are, however, that he was shot at least once.