Tragic End to Search for Missing Doctorate Student, Deundray Cottrell, in Birmingham
Eerie silence hangs over east Birmingham, as authorities confirm the death of missing Atlanta doctorate student, 31-year-old Deundray Cottrell. His unclassified death is clouded with eerie mystery and unanswered questions that darken the city’s Fourth of July celebration.
Disappearance on Fourth of July
As per local sources, Deundray, described as a diligent marketing professional and a dedicated PhD scholar, arrived in Birmingham on July 4th to celebrate the national holiday with his family. It was his first visit to his sister’s new abode on the 7000 block of Fourth Avenue.
Birmingham police shared that Deundray was last seen on the festive night around 10 p.m., when he went upstairs to check on his dog, disturbed by the fireworks. Alarm bells rang when Deundray’s partner, Julian Morris, reportedly told his unsuspecting family that Deundray had run off into the backyard. The family found some of his belongings in the yard, including a shoe and his cell phone.
A Family’s Agonizing Search
Tormented with worry, Deundray’s family launched an immediate search, reporting him missing to the police. Despite a mix-up in the system causing an overnight delay in entering his status as missing, they persisted in their search.
Their tireless efforts turned up Ring camera footage from several neighboring homes, which chillingly showed Deundray running through yards and vaulting over a gate. It suggested he was desperately searching for refuge.
Adding to the mystery, Julian, who reportedly showed erratic behavior post Deundray’s disappearance, went missing the next day. The police, while sharing a glimpse of some clothing items found on Friday, ignited the hope that Deundray was still alive.
Mystery Deepens
With the grim discovery of Deundray’s lifeless body on Saturday, the case took an even more sinister turn. His body was located on 78th Street and Fifth Avenue South. The cause of death remains unclassified, prompting the need for further investigation.
Authorities have suggested that the circumstances leading to Deundray’s disappearance were suspicious and hint at foul play. Authorities have now shifted focus to locate Julian, his partner, who was the last known person to have seen Deundray alive.
As they strive to bring justice to Deundray, the Birmingham police are urging anyone with information to come forward and notify 911 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
A Community Mourning
The devastating news of Deundray’s untimely death has struck a unrecoverable blow on his family and has left the communities of both Birmingham and Atlanta in shock and despair. In this painful time, his tragic end is a sobering reminder of the vigilance needed in these tumultuous times.
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
