ASHE COUNTY, N.C. — A missing Ashe County man was found dead in the woods near where investigators located his car, officials confirmed on Monday.
The man didn't return home last Saturday. His car was later found at the trading post in Glen Springs. Ashe County investigators said the man's body was discovered on a side road near the trading post. His death is being ruled a suicide.
After locating his car, officials ramped up the search for the man.
Local, state and federal agencies searched the area around the Northwest Trading Post, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Mountains-To-Sea Trail and used rescue dogs, drones, sonar boats and more. He was not found in the area, according to officials.
"Resources from across the state came to help with the search on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we greatly appreciate the response," Sheriff Phil Howell said in a release. "Unfortunately, rescue personnel were unable to locate him in the area around the vehicle."
On Friday, the sheriff's office confirmed they'd found the man's body and offered condolences to his family.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.
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