Body found near Hammocks Beach State Park identified

ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Authorities have identified the body found in the water near Hammocks Beach State Park Wednesday.

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office says Joseph Edwards, of Jacksonville, was found dead by state park rangers just after 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The cause of death has not been determined, but the sheriff’s office says they don’t suspect foul play.

The last time Edwards was seen alive on a surveillance camera was Sunday, according to the sheriff’s office.

Onslow County deputies, the U.S. Coast Guard, and North Carolina Wildlife are investigating, with the sheriff’s office taking the lead.

Hammocks Beach is an island southwest of Swansboro and is only accessible by boat or ferry.