ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- The search for answers continues after a beloved Glynn County Commissioner was found dead in the water at the St Simons Island Boat and Fishing Club early Tuesday morning. His car was located just yards away.
No suspect information has been released by police, but they were back on the dock Wednesday with an eye on the water.
"He told me Tom Sublett was dead and you could have knocked me over with a feather, I couldn't believe that," recalled Clyde Taylor of the moment he got the call.
Taylor is a fellow Commissioner, neighbor and friend of Sublett. He can't shake that unimaginable phone call. Glynn County can't understand the unthinkable crime.
"How do you react to that? I just couldn't grasp it. It's just amazing."
Police are releasing few details but tell Action News this is being investigated as a homicide. Wednesday, detectives returned to the dock where Sublett's body was found floating.
"This sort of thing just doesn't happen to people who are as respected and as well known and admired in the community," said Taylor.
Taylor says the Commission did receive an email Wednesday from police, he says, advising them to be aware of the circumstances and not take this lightly. But Taylor doesn't think Sublett's death had anything to do with decisions he made as a city leader.
"No I don't think so. I can't believe that," he said. "You have differences of opinion in the community but in no way would it rise to this level."
Another friend and fellow Commissioner, Amy Callaway, wasn't ready to speak on camera, but gave Action News this statement:
"Tom Sublett was a very dear friend of mine in addition to a fellow Commissioner.
"Tom and I (as well as Commissioner Coleman) were elected at the same time.
"One major feet that we overcame was the detention center location, which was very controversial and lasted for several years.
"Tom was an incredible person with the highest level of integrity a person can muster. He was Chairman of the Board of Commissioners last year, and I was his Vice Chair. Tom Sublett was the very best Chairman Glynn County has ever had."
The autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday. Police tell Action News those results are not back.
We have reached out to Sublett's family. At this point, they aren't ready to do any interviews.
Anyone with information is urged to call police.
