Remains Found in Smoky Mountains Identified as Blount County Man

Officials say the human remains found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park earlier this week have been identified.

The Knox Country Regional Forensic Center positively identified the remains as 64-year-old David J. Carver, of Blount County, Tenn., through comparison of medical records.

On Monday, July 8, 2019, an off-trail hiker found Carver’s body in an area near Laurel Creek Road and reported it to authorities. Laurel Creek Road extends from Little River Road at the Townsend Wye to Cades Cove Loop Road. Searchers found and recovered the remains that day.

According to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, a relative reported Carver missing on June 2, 2019, after he had not been seen since April 29.

The cause of death and activity at time of death are under investigation. An autopsy is being performed. No additional details are available at this time.