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Avery Sheriff Hopes Autopsy Provides Clues in Death of Man Found in Creek Near Newland

Investigators with the Avery County Sheriff’s Office attended an autopsy performed by the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office in Winston Salem on Monday, April 25 regarding the individual who was found deceased in Squirrel Creek near Newland.

Preliminary results of the autopsy on the body of 34-year-old Marcus Hughes of the Plumtree community in Avery County indicated the cause of his death was drowning.

Hughes body was found in Squirrel Creek on Friday morning after deputies responded to a report of a body in the creek. Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation continue their investigation into this tragic event.

Prior to the autopsy, Avery Sheriff Kevin Frye released the below info:

Avery Sheriff Hopes Autopsy Provides Clues in Death of Man Found Near Creek in Newland

Deputies with the Avery County Sheriff’s Office are hoping an autopsy provides more clues into how a man died near a local creek.

Sheriff Kevin Frye says a neighbor made the gruesome discovery in Squirrel Creek near Newland on Friday.  At this point, deputies do not know how the man died or if foul play was involved.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday afternoon. Authorities didn’t release any other details and are not identifying the deceased at this point.