Rowan County Hunter Found Dead Near Tree Stand After Reported Missing

Investigators with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a local man who was reported missing after going hunting earlier this month.

Deputies were dispatched on December 15 to a welfare check in the 10400 block of Bringle Ferry Road. Family members reported losing contact with 41-year-old Jerry Eugene Sutton Jr. after dropping him off at the property on December 9 around 10:30 a.m. to go hunting.

According to investigators, Sutton had permission from the landowner to hunt on the property and to stay in a detached garage. His personal belongings were located inside the garage, though Sutton was not found there.

Search efforts continued, and on December 16 deputies located Sutton deceased on the ground near a tree stand. Evidence at the scene suggested Sutton may have fallen from the tree stand, according to the sheriff’s office.

The North Carolina Medical Examiner is investigating to determine the official cause of death.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Sutton’s family as the investigation continues.