Teen Found Dead in Candler Investigated as Homicide

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday it is investigating the death of 18 year old Joseph Rose as a homicide following preliminary autopsy results. Deputies found Rose about 3:39 p.m. on Friday near 69 Gilbert B. Crook Road in Candler. The office has not released the cause or manner of death while the criminal investigation remains active, and officials said they will provide updates as information becomes available.

Rose had been reported missing to the Asheville Police Department on December 2. Family members told investigators he was last seen around November 24 and did not attend Thanksgiving, a detail they described as out of character. In a social media post Rose’s sister said his body was found "in a ditch… in a fairly public area," calling the circumstances suspicious. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.

The homicide classification and the circumstances of the discovery intensify concerns about community safety in parts of Candler and the broader county. For neighbors who live or pass through the area near Gilbert B. Crook Road, the case is likely to heighten anxiety about violence and the visibility of criminal activity in places residents assumed were safe. Local law enforcement resources will be focused on solving this case, while public health and social service providers may face increased demand for trauma support and counseling from friends, classmates, and neighbors affected by the loss.

Beyond immediate investigative needs, the death highlights broader public health issues that affect Buncombe County. Violent deaths of young people strain family networks and community supports, and they underscore the need for accessible mental health care, victim services, and preventive interventions that reach youth and marginalized families. Community leaders and health agencies can play a role in offering grief counseling and ensuring equitable access to services for those most impacted.

As the sheriff’s office continues its work, transparency about the investigation and timely public information will be important to maintaining public trust. Residents with tips or relevant information are encouraged to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office so investigators can pursue leads and provide answers to a grieving family and a concerned community.