ELK PARK, N.C. -- A sign that reads “Elk Falls is closed to the public until further notice” now sits at the base of the falls.

  • 26-year-old Thomas Mccardle is missing after falling into the falls
  • Rescue crews from around North Carolina are searching for Mccardle
  • The falls are closed until further notice 

Next to it is a wreath and an angel. Deputies say 26-year-old Thomas Mccardle loved angels, so his family asked them to place it here. He is still missing after falling into the falls.

"That river is moving with a lot of speed behind it and it can hurt you really fast before you even know what happened." Lt. William Lee Buchanan with the Avery County Sheriff office said.

 

 

Rescues from around the state all came together to search for Mccardle, but so far had no luck. It became dangerous for them to search the area until water levels go back down

"At one point, we watched the water rise 18 inches in 30 minutes," he said.

The Elk River Falls are known to be dangerous. Emergency crews made a video two years ago warning people about the dangers.

 

 

"In my career, I have had over a dozen deaths at Elk River Falls," he said.

Many have become paralyzed from jumping or falling in as well. Some people came to the falls Saturday and were surprised to find it closed.

After hearing that Mccardle is still missing, visitors couldn't help but stop and think.

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