Last Updated on May 30, 2018 6:33 pm
Just before noon on Wednesday (May 30, 2018) firefighters, rescue and law enforcement were notified by Avery County 911 dispatch that a body had surfaced at Elk River Falls, according to a Facebook post by the Avery County Sheriff's Office.
A body matching the description of Thomas McCardle Jr. was recovered and has been transported to the Medical Examiner's Office for positive confirmation of identification. The torrential rains last night may have contributed to the body finally surfacing today, the post goes on to say.
The post concludes by saying, “Our prayers go out to this young man's family and friends. However, even during this terribly sad time, we all have got to know about the life story of a tremendous young man, his victory to walk after an accident which doctors said would never happen, his tremendous faith in God and his wonderful father and mother and for that, we have all been greatly blessed.”
WataugaOnline.com will update as more information becomes available.