The body of a missing Asheville man was found Tuesday afternoon in an off-trail area near the Art Loeb trail, authorities said.
Search teams found the body of missing hiker Chad Seger about 3 p.m. in Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Authorities said searchers also found the gear he was believed to have with him nearby.
It is too early at this time to make a determination as to cause of death, officials said.
Seger, 27, of Asheville, had been missing since Monday, Oct. 12, when he spoke briefly with a family member by telephone. Later that same evening, an incomplete 911 call came into Haywood County dispatch. It apparently could not be completed because of weak signal strength, authorities said. Seger's family reported him missing Friday, Oct. 16.