WILMINGTON — Police have found the body of a man with autism who went missing Wednesday.
Jerry Wade Roylance, 26, was found deceased along River Road near the Cape Fear River on Monday, according to Wilmington Police Department. Foul play is not suspected at this time, but an investigation is ongoing.
Roylance left Still Meadow Drive on foot last week, and police believed he may have been headed toward a Harris Teeter. On Thursday, WPD reported a possible sighting in the Riverlights area, off of River Road.
In the following days, officers were on the ground searching for Roylance. Dive teams checked ponds, ATV units were deployed, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office bloodhounds conducted tracks. The CUE Center for Missing Persons also got involved in the search, which took place primarily around River Road, South College Road, Monkey Junction and the Myrtle Grove area.
WPD issued the following statement:
“Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The WPD would like to thank everyone who assisted in the search efforts. We are also grateful to those who called in with tips and information.”
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