ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Authorities are investigating the death of an 18-year-old man whose body was found Friday afternoon in Candler, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies were called about 3:39 p.m. to assist the county’s Emergency Operations Center at 69 Gilbert B. Crook Road, where they found Joseph Rose dead, sheriff’s officials said. Rose had been reported missing to the Asheville Police Department.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, and no cause or manner of death has been released.
“Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office personnel are working to bring answers for Mr. Rose’s family,” District 2 Capt. Chris Stockton said in a statement. “These (investigations) can take time, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we follow through with that process.”
Family members said Rose was last seen around Nov. 24 and failed to show up for Thanksgiving, which they described as out of character.
In a social media post, Rose’s sister, Rose Ivory, said her brother’s body was found “in a ditch… in a fairly public area,” calling the death suspicious. “Joseph would not be found deceased this way,” she wrote. “He was a friend to all. He believed in loving one another.”
Ivory urged anyone with information about her brother’s last whereabouts or associates to come forward, saying, “We need answers.”
Rose’s mother, Leah Tentacle Rose, also shared a message thanking the community for its support while asking for information. “I know someone hurt my son,” she wrote. “If you have any info on that, you can notify my daughter, my sister or directly to the police department.”
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to Rose’s family and loved ones and said additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information is asked to contact local law enforcement.