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Written by: A. Smith
Published August 5, 2025 @ 9:08 AM ET
TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into the death of a missing Norcross man whose body was discovered inside his van at Bell Mountain, a popular overlook in North Georgia.
Deputies with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office found 38-year-old Phat Tan Bui around 9:15 p.m. on July 18 inside a van registered to him, which was parked at the Bell Mountain scenic area. Bui had been reported missing earlier that day by his family in Gwinnett County.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that foul play is not suspected. Bui’s body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. As of now, that information has not been publicly released.
According to an online obituary, Bui was known within the Atlanta skating community and had a passion for fitness, music, and videography. A funeral service was held on August 2.
Bui’s death marks the third time this year that someone has been found deceased at Bell Mountain. In March, 19-year-old twin brothers Qaadir Malik Lewis and Naazir Rahim Lewis were discovered dead at the same location. The GBI later ruled their deaths a double suicide after months of investigation, though the twins’ family has publicly disputed that conclusion and expressed concerns about a possible cover-up. The Georgia NAACP has also called for further review of the case.
The GBI has not suggested a link between Bui’s death and the earlier incident involving the twins, and the cases are being treated separately.
Anyone with information related to Bui’s case is urged to contact the Towns County Sheriff’s Office at 706-896-4444 or the GBI’s Cleveland Regional Office at 706-348-4866. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov, or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.