DeAndre Desmond Clark Obituary, Death; Man, 22, found dead behind abandoned business in Old Fort

DeAndre Desmond Clark Obituary, Death;  – A 22-year-old man from Asheville, who was reported missing by his mother, was discovered deceased behind an abandoned building in Old Fort on April 22. The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 1 p.m. on April 22, informing them about the body found behind an abandoned business on Batcave Road in the Old Fort Community.

According to spokesperson D’jan Vallini, the man was identified as DeAndre “Desmond” Clark, who had been reported missing to the Asheville Police Department on April 19. Rick Rice, another spokesperson, stated that Clark was last seen by his mother on April 18 at the Hillcrest Apartments. Although Rice did not have information about Clark’s place of residence, it was confirmed that he was a local of Asheville based on his birth certificate. An autopsy was conducted on April 23, and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office is currently awaiting the results. Vallini mentioned that the cause of death will be determined once the autopsy results are received, and it can take several months to a year in some cases.

The investigation into Clark’s death is being carried out by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, with the involvement of the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. If anyone has any information related to this case, they are urged to contact the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip through McDowell County Crime Stoppers.