Officials say a body that matches the description of the 26-year-old man who fell into Elk River Falls on May 20th was found at the falls around noon on Wednesday, May 30th and was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for positive confirmation of identification. According to law enforcement officials, Thomas McCardle Jr., of Martins Ferry, Ohio was attending a wedding in Asheville and went by Elk River Falls, slipped on a rock and fell into the rough waters and is believed to have been pulled under by very strong currents that were a result of heavy rain in the area. A group of young people nearby tried to save him by forming a human chain, but the current was too strong. After five days of searching the recovery effort had to be temporarily suspended because of the high water and dangerous conditions. The Avery County Sheriff’s Office said that heavy rains Tuesday night may have contributed to the body finally surfacing on Wednesday.
Linville/Central Rescue Squad, Avery Sheriff’s Office, Avery County Emergency Management , Elk Park Fire Department, Frank Fire Department, Newland Fire Department, Sherrills Ford Fire and Rescue, Henderson County Rescue, Boone Fire Department, Blowing Rock Fire Department, Watauga Rescue, Parkway Fire and Rescue, Bakersville Fire Department, Asheville Fire Department, Wings Air Rescue, the Red Cross, Avery Ladder Truck company, Linville Fire Department, Banner Elk Fire Department and the US Forest Service all dedicated people to assist in the recovery and risked their lives in trying to resolve the situation.
Thomas and Barbara McCardle would also like for people to make every effort possible by notifying the US Forest Service and US Congress to help warn others of the danger of Elk River Falls. Thomas McCardle said, “We do not think the general public understands how dangerous this particular piece of water is, especially after heavy rains” .. The McCardles along with many other families of people who have died at the Elk River Falls want some action taken to reduce the danger and fatalities which occur at this location. Avery County Sheriff along with others, made a video with the US Forest Service to warn people of the dangers, but most people do not look at the video until a tragedy occurs. The video can be accessed at www.facebook.com/nfsnc/videos and clicking the link marked “Elk River Falls.”
left to right—Thomas McCardle, Barbara McCardle (parents to Thomas McCardle Jr), Matthew Glynn, Maddison McNeill, Michael Austin Tysinger and Kristin McDaniel ( the young people who attempted to rescue Thomas McCardle Jr, not pictured is Gary Kennedy)
