BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Hikers have found a body that could be that of a Ferndale teacher who has been missing since Thursday.

Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo said officials aren't saying yet whether the body found Sunday near Alger in Skagit County is Jeremy Scully's.

"It appears as though the victim died from a gunshot wound to the head," according to a news release from the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. "Fingerprints were obtained and attempts are being made to confirm if the deceased is indeed the missing Bellingham man. At this time we are not able to confirm the identity. "

The case is being investigated as a homicide, the sheriff's office said.

Scully, 38, disappeared while driving from his Bellingham apartment to a friend's house in Alger.

His car was found Saturday near Lake Samish with the door ajar and the key in the ignition.