Local News
Possible Human Remains Discovered on Poors Ford Road Belong to Missing Rutherford County Man Ricky James Watson
RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that possible human remains discovered on Poors Ford Road may belong to missing person Ricky James Watson, who was reported missing in June 2025.
On October 14, 2025, deputies were dispatched to the 2700 block of Poors Ford Road after receiving a report of a possible human bone found in the area.
Upon arrival, investigators examined the item and determined that the bone — believed to be a femur — appears to be human based on preliminary observations.
The following day, October 15, Sheriff’s Office personnel, assisted by additional resources, conducted a comprehensive search of the surrounding area in an effort to locate any additional remains or evidence connected to the discovery.
The bone has since been turned over to the North Carolina State Medical Examiner’s Office for further forensic analysis and official identification.
Authorities have confirmed that this discovery may be connected to the ongoing missing person investigation involving 55-year-old Ricky James Watson, who was last seen in June 2025 in the Shiloh area of Rutherford County.
Watson was reported missing on June 24, and an Endangered Alert was issued by the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons the previous day.
Since his disappearance, investigators have utilized multiple search resources, including ground units, K9 teams, and aerial support, to comb areas near Watson’s home and his last known location at 2818 Poors Ford Road.
Despite extensive efforts, no trace of Watson had been found until this recent development.
The Sheriff’s Office has been in direct contact with Watson’s family regarding the discovery and continues to pursue all leads as the case remains active.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Ricky James Watson’s disappearance or the recent discovery to come forward.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 828-286-2911, or anonymous tips may be submitted through Rutherford County CrimeStoppers at 828-286-TIPS or via the RCSO mobile app.
Officials stress that the investigation is ongoing and further updates will be provided once the Medical Examiner’s Office completes its evaluation and confirms the identity of the remains.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.