News Summary
The body of 49-year-old Carlson “B.J.” Johnson III was recovered after he went missing during a fishing trip off Kill Devil Hills. Johnson’s unresponsive body was discovered by a Good Samaritan two miles offshore after an extensive search involving local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard. Johnson dedicated over ten years to local health care, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community. Authorities continue to search for his missing dog and boat, as investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Kill Devil Hills – The body of 49-year-old Carlson “B.J.” Johnson III was recovered Thursday after he went missing during a fishing trip. Johnson, a local health care provider, had embarked on his outing the previous day, leaving the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center at approximately 11:45 a.m.
Officials received a report at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday that Johnson had not returned, prompting an immediate search effort. The U.S. Coast Guard deployed aircraft and a boat crew to search for him, while assistance was provided by the North Carolina Marine Patrol, who conducted searches at local docks.
On Thursday evening, a Good Samaritan discovered Johnson’s unresponsive body approximately two miles offshore and four miles north of the inlet at around 9:30 p.m. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene by officials. His body was subsequently recovered by the North Carolina Marine Patrol and sent to the state’s Medical Examiner for further investigation.
As of mid-day Friday, there was no sign of Johnson’s dog or his boat, which remains unaccounted for. A search for the vessel continues, as Sgt. Anna E. Barbosa of the North Carolina Wildlife Commission noted that a reported found boat did not match the description of Johnson’s 17-foot Maycraft.
Members of the public are urged to assist in locating Johnson’s boat, a gray 18-foot Maycraft, by contacting Sgt. Barbosa at 252-947-1510 if they have information.
Johnson was not only a well-known figure in the community but had also dedicated over ten years of service to Outer Banks Health, where he made significant contributions to local health care. In light of his passing, Outer Banks Health expressed profound sadness and extended condolences to Johnson’s family, friends, and colleagues.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with boating and fishing, especially in areas with unpredictable conditions. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death, and further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
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Additional Resources
- Coastland Times: Body of Outer Banks Health Care Provider Found
- Google Search: Outer Banks health care provider fishing incident
- Coastland Times: Body of Kill Devil Hills Man Found
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kill Devil Hills
- WTKR: Kill Devil Hills Boater Found Dead Offshore
- Google News: Kill Devil Hills boater found dead
- Eater Carolinas: Best Restaurants in Outer Banks
- Google Search: Outer Banks restaurants
- WTVR: Outer Banks Tourism Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
