At about 3:45 p.m. yesterday (May 24), a subject conducting research in Winkler Creek found a deceased person in the creek behind the Broyhill Wellness Center on Boone Heights Drive. Boone Police, the Boone Fire Department, and Watauga E.M.S. responded and confirmed the subject was deceased.

Detectives identified the deceased as 35-year-old Christopher Lee Strickland. At last report, Mr. Strickland was camping along the banks of Winkler Creek, upstream from the area where his body was found. His next of kin have been notified of his death.

No suspects are being sought and there is no evidence to suggest criminal activity. The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office assumed jurisdiction of the body while Boone Police conducted their investigation. The cause of death will be determined following an autopsy.