Authorities in North Carolina have confirmed that human remains found in a wooded area belong to a man who vanished four months earlier.
In a Facebook update posted Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office identified the remains as those of Ricky Watson, 55, who was last seen on June 20 and reported missing by relatives the following day.
“Watson’s family members have been notified of the updates in this case,” the sheriff’s office said. “As stated previously, based on evidence and interviews conducted during this investigation, no foul play is suspected.”
Authorities initially responded to a report of a possible human femur bone found in the 2700 block of Poors Ford Road on Oct. 14. “Investigators also responded to the scene, and preliminary observations indicate the bone does appear to be human. The bone is believed to be a femur. The discovery may be related to an ongoing missing person case from June 2025,” the sheriff’s office said at the time.
According to ABC affiliate WLOS, the bone was discovered by a dog belonging to Watson’s mother, Patricia Upton. “Finding bones in the yard, that I think might be my son, that’s a horrible thing,” Upton told the outlet.
Authorities returned to the area on Oct. 15 to conduct a more extensive search. The femur was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for examination. Five days later, investigators discovered additional skeletal remains during a search in the 2800 block of Poors Ford Road in Rutherfordton, close to Watson’s last known location.
“An extensive search was carried out in a heavily wooded area on an adjacent property, located on the opposite side of the road from where Ricky Watson was last seen and reported missing in June 2025,” officials said. “During the search, investigators located a large portion of human skeletal remains. The remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for further evaluation and identification.”
The remains were ultimately confirmed to be Watson’s on Oct. 22, according to the latest update from authorities.
A neighbor reportedly told investigators they had seen Watson enter the woods behind his home. The sheriff’s office noted that the area was difficult to search because it covered hundreds of acres, requiring the use of cadaver dogs, drones, and ground personnel.
“Multiple days were spent searching the surrounding woods but until remains were found no searches were successful,” authorities stated. “Once partial remains were located, investigators concentrated their search [in] the area surrounding where they believed the remains were found. Once in the correct area, investigators were able to locate a significant portion of Watson’s remains.”
In concluding their announcement, officials expressed their condolences: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We are thankful they are now able to find some closure.”
