Archived Outdoors

Park Service seeks information regarding man’s death

Investigators with the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch are trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of David Carver, Jr., who was found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Monday, July 8. They are seeking information from the public to make that determination. 

Carver was reported missing by a family member to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office in early June. Searchers found Carver, 64, of Blount County, Tennessee, near Laurel Creek Road between Townsend and Cades Cove after receiving a tip from an off-trail hiker. His remains appeared to be several months old.

The Knox County Regional Forensic Center identified Carver by comparing medical records. The cause of death and activity at time of death are under investigation. An autopsy is being performed, and no additional details are currently available

Information about Carver’s death, as well as information that can help investigators determine how Carver got into the park and what he was doing there, can be directed to ISB investigators through any of the following means: 

• Call or text the ISB Tip Line at 888.653.0009

• Visit www.nps.gov/isb  and click “Submit a Tip.”

• Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Message on Facebook @InvestigativeServicesNPS, Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS or Instagram @SpecialAgent_NPS.

Callers may remain anonymous if they choose. Monetary rewards may be available to those who provide credible information that aids the investigation.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.