BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Police are investigating after a body was found Monday evening near the Hemphill property in Black Mountain, authorities said.
Officers with the Black Mountain Police Department discovered the deceased individual while investigating the area between Old U.S. Highway 70 and Interstate 40, according to a department news release issued Tuesday.
Police said the death appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no known threat to the public. While investigators have not ruled out foul play, preliminary findings do not suggest it was the cause of death.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Medical Examiner have been called in to assist, which police said is standard procedure in such cases.
Authorities have not released the identity of the individual, pending notification of next of kin.
“We recognize the public’s interest in this situation and understand that speculation may occur,” Black Mountain Police Chief Steven R. Parker said in the statement. “However, we ask for patience and respect as we work through the investigative process.”
Police said updates will be provided only when appropriate and in coordination with partner agencies.