Buncombe County -- July 14, 2026: New information has been released in the death investigation involving Teresa Annette Davis, whose body was discovered along Old Mars Hill Highway last week.
According to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, a preliminary autopsy determined that the 45-year-old Davis died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle.
Davis was found just before 7 a.m. on Friday, July 10, when a passerby discovered her body along Old Mars Hill Highway near the Buncombe–Madison County line and called 911. Deputies with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office and troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to the scene, where authorities reported that Davis had suffered significant traumatic injuries.
The sheriff's office publicly identified Davis over the weekend as the victim in the ongoing investigation. At that time, investigators were awaiting autopsy results and indicated they believed other individuals may have been present during the events leading up to her death.
Following the preliminary autopsy findings, officials have now confirmed that the case is being investigated as a fatal vehicle collision. Responsibility for the investigation has been transferred to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which will lead efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including identifying the vehicle and driver involved.
Authorities have not announced whether any suspects have been identified or whether criminal charges are expected. The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.