Body Found in New River Identified

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office has identified an individual  found deceased in the New River on Monday morning. 

Around 7 a.m. on August 4, 2025, a local fisherman contacted authorities after discovering a  body in the New River several hundred yards upstream from the Herbert G. “Buddy” Phillips  Bridge. Deputies with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, along with personnel from Jacksonville Police Department, Jacksonville Fire & Emergency Services, and  N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 

Upon arrival, responders located and recovered Aaron Gage Stallings, 29, of Jacksonville. The  cause of death remains under investigation pending an autopsy. 

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Updates will be provided as more information  becomes available.