The missing rifle has been located that was believed to have been connected to a presumed suicide earlier this month in Kill Devil Hills.
A 36-year-old man from New York was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot near the Atlantic Street beach access the morning of February 12. Full details of the man’s identity were not released.
The Kill Devil Hills Police Department said a beachgoer found a .270 Winchester bolt-action rifle near the same beach access on Wednesday.
The weapon showed clear signs of being in the ocean for a significant period of time, according to police.
A second weapon was believed to also be missing at the time of the incident. Police said Thursday information developed later determined there was no second gun involved.
Editor’s note: OBX Today has a policy of not publishing detailed information from suicides except in extraordinary circumstances. If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and needs support, call 1-800-273-8255.