Archived News

Missing Haywood man found dead

Written by
Wednesday, August 05, 2015

The body of a missing Haywood County man was found in Richland Creek near Lake Junaluska on Aug. 3.

Johnnie Rathbone, 67, of Mauney Cove Road in Waynesville, was reported missing by family members Monday morning after not having heard from him since Saturday. During routine patrol, a deputy found Rathbone’s car around 2:45 p.m. at a parking area off U.S. 19 near Lake Junaluska golf course.

Search and rescue personnel discovered Rathbone’s body around 5 p.m. in Richland Creek about 200 yards from his car. An autopsy will be performed to verify cause of death.

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