Wilcox, Casey Shaun Collettsville, North Carolina Cause of Death and Obituary: Hudson resident Casey Shaun Wilcox was discovered close to water in a forested area off Playmore Beach Road.

The tragic discovery of a body in the Collettsville area on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, has left the Caldwell County community reeling from grief and unresolved questions. Following the discovery of 37-year-old Hudson resident Casey Shaun Wilcox's remains near water in a forested area off Playmore Beach Road, the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Kevin H. Bean, has opened a death investigation.

A local citizen who was evaluating hurricane damage in the region discovered the corpse and alerted police right away, according to the Sheriff's Office. Collettsville Fire and Rescue emergency personnel arrived quickly and worked hard to remove Wilcox's corpse from the water.

Investigators are currently trying to put together the events leading up to Wilcox's death, and the cause of death is yet unknown. Officials have refrained from disclosing any other details until the autopsy results and ongoing investigation are in, and no indications of foul play have been publicly confirmed or ruled out.

Sheriff Bean expressed his condolences in a statement:

"During this trying time, our prayers and thoughts are with Mr. Wilcox's family. We are determined to carry out a comprehensive investigation to find out what went wrong."

Many people in the Hudson and Collettsville communities, particularly those who knew Wilcox personally, are in mourning at the tragic finding. He was quiet, gentle, and had a great love for the outdoors, according to friends.

In an effort to provide Wilcox's family with clarity and closure, the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with pertinent information to come forward.

The inquiry is still ongoing, and further information will be released when it becomes available.