WPD releases identity of deceased man located in wooded area near Clay Street

WHQR | By Aaleah McConnell

Published May 6, 2025 at 7:48 AM EDT

Wooded area near Hurst and Clay streets.

Police are asking for help to identify a man who was found deceased in the woods near the Haynes / Lacewell Police and Fire Training Facility.

Last Friday, the Wilmington Police Department responded to a possible medical emergency in a wooded area at Hurst and Clay Street.

Once officers arrived they located a deceased male in the woods, who as of today has been identified as 63-year-old Cedric Adkins.

This is an ongoing investigation and WPD is asking anyone with information on Adkins’ death to call them at (910) 343-3609 or use the anonymous Tip 411 app.

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Aaleah McConnell

Aaleah McConnell is a Report for America corps member and a recent North Carolina implant from Atlanta, Georgia. They report on the criminal justice system in New Hanover County and surrounding areas. Before joining WHQR, they completed a fellowship with the States Newsroom, as a General Assignment Reporter for the Georgia Recorder. Aaleah graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in journalism and minored in African and African-American Diaspora studies. In their free time, Aaleah loves roller-skating and enjoys long walks with their dog Kai. You can reach them at amcconnell@whqr.org.

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