Black Mountain Police investigating death near 'Hemphill Property'

Preliminary findings suggest no foul play

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
June 17, 2025

The Black Mountain Police Department is investigating a death, following the June 16 discovery of a deceased individual on the east side of town. Photo by Fred McCormick

The Black Mountain Police Department is investigating a death, following the June 16 discovery of a body on the east side town, between Old U.S. 70 and I-40.

Law enforcement officials located a deceased individual in the area of the “Hemphill Property,” according a press release issued, June 17, by the department, but do not suspect foul play.

Officers were conducting an investigation in the area when the body was found, the release stated. The 25-acre property, east of Riverwalk Park, was donated to the town in 2017, following the death of Mary Hemphill, who stipulated it must be used as a park.

“At this time, we believe this is an isolated incident and there is no known threat to the public or surrounding community,” the statement said. “While we are not ruling out foul play, it does not appear foul play was the cause of death based on the preliminary findings.”

The department has requested assistance from the Office of the Medical Examiner and N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, “out of an abundance of caution.”

“Due to the sensitivity of the investigation and the importance of properly notifying next of kin, no additional details regarding the identity or the circumstances will be released at this time,” the department said.