A former Mitchell County Chief Deputy was found dead last week from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 50-year-old Victor Hollifield was found Wednesday night by McDowell County deputies lying a short distance from his vehicle which was located on Wild Acres Road. The deputy had received a text message from Hollifield relaying his location and information that gave the deputy reason to be concerned about Hollifield’s safety. McDowell EMS responded to the scene but was not able to resuscitate him. Hollifield left the Mitchell County Sherriff’s department in the late 80’s and worked in McDowell County until his retirement in 2010. He had recently returned from Afghanistan where he was doing law enforcement work as a contractor.