French Broad River Body Discovery Sparks Investigation

Woodfin -- Authorities are continuing their efforts to identify the body discovered by fishermen in the French Broad River in Woodfin over the weekend.

The discovery was made around 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 4th, by two individuals fishing on the river's west bank, just north of Flynn Branch Road.

The body, which was found wrapped in debris and mud, was recovered and sent to the Medical Examiner's Office in Raleigh for a full autopsy and identification.

A spokesman for the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicated today that more information, potentially including the identity of the deceased, is expected to be released within the next 24 to 48 hours as their examination progresses.

The discovery has led to online discussions regarding a potential connection to Tropical Storm Helene. However, officials note that the section of the French Broad River where the body was found is not located within the counties where the five individuals still missing from the storm are from. The cause of death remains undetermined at this time.

One of the fishermen who found the body described a Grants Pass, Oregon, first noticing an odor before seeing a hand. He also observed what looked like boots in the debris where the body was entangled. He mentioned having been in the same area fishing about a month prior and now believes he may have smelled something unusual then but did not investigate the debris pile closely.

The Woodfin Police Department is spearheading the investigation and has stated they will provide updates to the community as more information becomes available from the Medical Examiner's Office.

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes