Body of Deceased Male Found Near Hammocks Beach State Park Identified

The body of a deceased male recovered from the water near Hammocks Beach State Park on Tuesday has been identified.  

Joseph Michael Marshall Edwards, 34, of Jacksonville, was found deceased by North Carolina State Park Rangers around 12:48 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. Rangers located Mr. Edwards in the water about 150 yards offshore near the state park’s maintenance area.  

State Park Rangers, along with Onslow County Sheriff’s deputies, United States Coast Guard, and Swansboro Fire and Rescue responded immediately to the scene. Edwards’ next of kin have been notified, and detectives with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office have taken the lead in the investigation.  

The cause of death is still being determined. However, detectives believe no foul play is involved and there is no threat to the public.  

Edwards’ death remains an ongoing investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.  

If you have additional questions, please contact Onslow County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Trevor Dunnell at 910-787-4216 or trevor_dunnell@onslowcountync.gov.