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'He was so close and I couldn't do anything' | Father speaks out after son found dead in Wadesboro

Police say 17-year-old Anthony Villadares was first reported missing on July 23. His body was found on the side of the road three days later.

WADESBORO, N.C. — Questions remain after a teen who was reported missing in Wadesboro on July 23 was found dead three days later, according to the Wadesboro Police Department.   

Officials said they found 17-year-old Anthony Valladares' body on July 26, three days after Valladares was first reported missing.

His body was found on the side of Hwy 52 South near Old Lilesville Road. After investigating the incident, police believe that Valladares was hit by a car, killing him. The driver of the car that hit him has not been located.

" I couldn’t find him anywhere," Gerson Vallabares, Anthony's father said. "I feel so bad knowing my son was just in front of the house just laying there."

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Gerson says his son 17-year-old Anthony Valladares was last seen July 23rd walking to the store to buy some snacks, a usual trip that took an unexpected turn.

"I reported him missing and then I started looking for him," Gerson said. "I feel so sad and trapped because he was so close and I couldn’t do anything."

Anthony's family told WCNC Charlotte that he was a little shy, but he was also very friendly and loved his siblings.

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As family members work to raise money for funeral costs, they’re encouraging the community to help them raise awareness and find the person responsible.

"I really want whoever did this to be held accountable, my son Anthony was a young child and did not deserve this," Gerson said.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident that could help lead to an arrest to contact the North Carolina Highway Patrol by dialing *47 on your phone.

Last Friday, July 26, 2024 the Wadesboro Police Department located an unidentified body on the roadside of Hwy 52 South...

Posted by Wadesboro Police Department on Sunday, August 4, 2024

If you would like to help Anthony's family with funeral expenses, click here to donate.

Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram

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