Body found in woods near I-77 in Huntersville, death investigation underway

A body was found in the woods near a ramp on I-77 southbound in Huntersville on Sunday evening.

A death investigation is underway after fire officials responded to “check the welfare” of a person down on the highway.

Officials said the I-77 southbound ramp to Gilead Road (Exit 23) would be closed for a significant amount of time because of a police investigation.

According to the Huntersville Fire Department, their Engine 1 responded to the area around 5 p.m. A driver reportedly spotted the body and alerted officials.

Drivers were advised to use caution in the area and yield to any responding units.

The Huntersville Police Department said they were conducting the investigation and that the road would be closed until further notice.

Fire officials are advising drivers to avoid the area and consider using Exit 25 (Sam Furr Road) for the Huntersville exit.

There’s no word on cause of death and the person has not been identified.

This story was originally published October 15, 2018 at 5:41 AM.