Transylvania County -- February 13, 2026: The Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into a death discovered Tuesday at the site of the Woodruff Landfill expansion. Despite several days passing since the discovery, authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased.
The Incident
Emergency responders were dispatched to the landfill, located off Hestli Heights Road, between 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10. The incident occurred within the Phase 7 expansion area, a high-activity construction zone currently being developed to increase the county’s waste capacity.
Status of the Investigation
While the body was discovered two days ago, official updates regarding the victim’s name or the circumstances of the death remain withheld. County officials previously stated that operations at the landfill and local convenience sites were suspended on Wednesday to allow investigators to process the scene and to provide "crisis support services" to staff and first responders.
The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the delay in releasing the identity is primarily to ensure that next of kin are properly notified.
Regional Impact
The Phase 7 expansion has been a critical project for Western North Carolina, especially as the region manages an influx of debris and waste following Hurricane Helene.
As of Thursday morning, the landfill and all residential convenience centers have returned to normal operating hours. However, the specific area where the death occurred remains a focus of the ongoing investigation.