MARSHALL, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The town of Marshall announced the death of its former police chief just days after he retired.

According to a Facebook post, former Chief Mike Boone, who retired July 31, died Friday in a crash.

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Sunday the crash happened while authorities were pursuing someone they believed to be Ryan Ricky Houston, a fugitive believed to be armed and dangerous.

“Believed to be; not confirmed,” Chief Deputy Herbert Black said via email when asked if the person involved in the crash was Houston.

That person was also killed in the crash.

“Every death investigation conducted by the OCME has its own unique set of facts and circumstances, and the length of time to complete a case can vary based on a number of factors,” a spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said via email when asked how long it would take to confirm the person’s identity.

The town of Marshall posted the following statement:

“Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beloved colleague and friend, Chief of Police Mike Boone, who tragically passed away on Friday evening in a car accident. Only days ago we gathered to celebrate Mike’s retirement where we reflected on his 32 year law enforcement career. We are fortunate to have had Mike in our presence, both as a law enforcement officer and as our friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s wife, daughter, and granddaughter during this difficult time.”

The crash happened on Interstate 26 near Exit 11 just before 11 p.m. Aug. 2.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation website, the road was closed for several hours after the crash near Mars Hill.

MANHUNT UNDERWAY FOR HOME INVASION SUSPECT

Houston, 41, who was out on bond for attempted first-degree murder and assault on law enforcement in Buncombe County, is believed to have forced his way into a home in McDowell County, assaulted the homeowner and stole a firearm and vehicle, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Authorities on Friday warned Houston was believed to be armed and dangerous.