Authorities have confirmed that a 14-year-old boy from Mount Olive who was reported missing Thursday afternoon has been found dead.
The Smith County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as Melvin Harter, whose disappearance had prompted a Missing and Endangered Alert after he was last seen traveling in an unknown direction. At the time, Harter was wearing a black hoodie and carrying a black backpack.
Family members had expressed concern for his safety, noting that he suffered from a medical condition that could impair his judgment.
In a statement released Friday afternoon on Facebook, the Smith County Sheriff’s Department announced that Harter had been found deceased. Authorities have not released details about where he was located or the cause of death.
“Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers, and respect their privacy as they navigate this tragic loss,” the department said in its post.
The investigation into Harter’s death remains ongoing.