Skeleton identified as man who was never reported to be missing, NC sheriff says

A skeleton was found among the hotels and restaurants lining a busy U.S. highway in eastern North Carolina, and evidence indicates it is a man who was never reported as missing, investigators say.

The discovery was made along Carolina Avenue (U.S. 17 Business) through Washington, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a June 3 news release.

“Washington police were called around 2 pm (Wednesday) to possible human remains in the 900 block of Carolina Avenue. Once there, officers say they found skeletal remains in a stormwater drainage area near the roadway,” the sheriff’s office reports.

“The Washington Police Department believes the remains have been there for an extended period of time based on their condition.”

The skeleton is believed to be the remains of 66-year-old Washington resident Patrick Michael Kincade, the sheriff’s office said on June 5.

“Evidence collected during the processing of the remains and the surrounding area led investigators to this preliminary identification. Mr. Kincade had not been reported missing. His next of kin has been notified,” the sheriff’s office said.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation. The identity of the deceased will be definitively confirmed through additional forensic testing.”

Maps show the 900 block is five lanes wide and traverses a heavily commercial strip in north Washington, including multiple motels, stores and restaurants.

Washington is located along the Tar River, about a 105-mile drive southeast from downtown Raleigh.

This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 8:41 AM with the headline "Skeleton identified as man who was never reported to be missing, NC sheriff says."