A man and his vehicle, missing since December 23, were discovered in the Elk River in Avery County, on December 26, after people noticed the overturned vehicle.
Avery County Sheriff’s team responded to a call about a submerged silver car with an unresponsive male inside.
It was confirmed the vehicle belonged to Barry Robert Hertel, reported missing. Hertel was found deceased in the vehicle after it was pulled from the river by rescue teams.
Sheriff Mike Henley suggested the driver might have veered off the road due to heavy rains, causing the vehicle to end up in the river.
A host of agencies assisted in the recovery effort. The NC State Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the motor vehicle crash and fatality.
