The North Carolina Wildlife Commission has confirmed that a Kill Devil Hills man and Outer Banks Health practitioner was found in the Atlantic Ocean a few miles north of Oregon Inlet at about the 8 a.m. on May 15. The man, 49-year-old Carlson “BJ” Johnson, was discovered by a local fisherman and his body was recovered by the NC Marine Patrol.
According to Sgt. Anna Barbosa of the North Caroline Wildlife Resources Commission, Johnson left Oregon Inlet Fishing Center with a dog. The animal and the boat have not been recovered. Sgt. Barbosa also indicated that the deceased was not wearing a life jacket.
Because this is being considered a “recreational boating incident,” the investigation is being handled by the Wildlife Resources Commission and an autopsy will be performed, according to Sgt. Barbosa.