NORTH CAROLINA — A 52-year-old Andrews man who had been reported missing was found dead Saturday morning in a remote area of Cherokee County, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said family members of Brett Austin Phillips received information from a friend that Phillips frequently visited an area owned by the U.S. Forest Service off Tatham Gap Road.
Family members went to the area and located Phillips deceased approximately one-tenth of a mile off the roadway along a trail. His vehicle, a 1998 green Dodge Dakota, was found nearby.
Deputies responded to the scene and began an investigation into the death. Officials said no foul play is suspected at this time.
The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine Phillips’ exact cause and manner of death.
Phillips had been reported missing after he was last seen around 2 p.m. on June 3 in the Healy Fields area of Andrews.
In a statement, Sheriff Dustin Wood and members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Phillips’ family and loved ones.
The sheriff’s office also thanked the Andrews Police Department, Valleytown Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers and others who assisted in the search efforts and investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing pending the results of the medical examiner’s examination.
