Body of missing Charlotte man found

GLENDALE SPRINGS — The body of David Kuklentz, a man from Charlotte reported missing in the area of Glendale Springs on June 15, was found on June 21, according to the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office.

“The missing individual has been located. Our deepest condolences go out to the family,” said a statement released by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office on Friday afternoon.

There is no foul play suspected in his death. His body was found near the initial search area around the Blue Ridge Parkway, Northwest Trading Post and the Mountains-To-Sea Trail.

According to the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office, on June 15, Kuklentz, 57, and his immediate family were visiting extended family in Ashe County. Kuklentz was last seen on camera driving through the Jefferson area at 1:40 p.m. on Saturday. The family began worrying later that day when he did not return. At approximately 7:34 p.m., he was reported missing to the Ashe County 911 Dispatch Center.

Ashe County Sheriff Deputies located the vehicle at 7:55 p.m. at the Northwest Trading Post located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Glendale Springs.

Ashe County Rescue Squad members, law enforcement and other emergency organizations continued searching until 2 a.m. Sunday, and then resumed the search at 7 a.m. Crews continued their search efforts until about 10 p.m. on June 16.

“Resources from across the state came to help with the search on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we greatly appreciate the response. Unfortunately, rescue personnel were unable to locate him in the area around the vehicle,” said Ashe County Sheriff Phil Howell on June 20.

According to Ashe County Emergency Management, local, regional state and federal emergency services continued their third day of searching areas surrounding the Northwest Trading Post, Blue Ridge Parkway and portions of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail. Trained ground search crews, search and rescue dogs, infrared drones, sonar boat teams, high-angle rappel teams and law enforcement teams were all part of the coordinated search efforts on June 17.

Following search efforts across parts of three days, the coordinated search efforts were suspended on June 18, according to a statement provided by Ashe County Emergency Management.

“Despite an extensive search effort that utilized a multitude of resources, no trace of Mr. Kuklentz was found. Therefore, regretfully, search efforts are suspended until any new leads surface. This is a decision that was not reached lightly. The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate and emergency services organizations remain committed to re-evaluating any new information that comes to light,” said a statement released by Ashe County Emergency Management on June 18.

Agencies that helped with the search included: Ashe County Rescue Squad, Ashe County Sheriff’s Office, Glendale Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Linville-Central Rescue Squad K9 Team, Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Wilkes County Rescue Squad, Ashe County Emergency Management, Ashe County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ashe Medics, Caldwell County Emergency Services, Caldwell County Emergency Management, NC Emergency Management, National Park Service and the American Red Cross. SkyLine, additional businesses and members of the general public and other members of the public also helped support the search with food and other items.