"NO EVIDENCE OF FOUL PLAY" IN BOATRIGHT DEATH

(03/09/2005)
By Bob Weaver

"There was no evidence of foul play," in the death of seventy-nine-year-old Calvin Boatright, according to Calhoun Sheriff Carl Ballengee, although there are questions regarding his whereabouts since he left his home last week.

"We're still looking at all the information," he said.

Boatright's body was discovered yesterday in a wooded area about two miles from Normantown, Gilmer County, a short distance from where his truck was lodged against some trees at the end of a primitive road.

(SEE Hur Herald Story 3/8/2005 about search efforts) Sheriff Ballengee said Boatright's "wallet was in tact with about the amount of cash he carried on him."

Ballengee said the investigation is continuing, with the body being sent to the State Medical Examiners Office in Charleston.

Boatright, who allegedly was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and was nearly blind, had driven his truck down the muddy road once and encountered problems, but managed to return to the Oak Grove Church only to turn around and drive down the primitive road a second time.

Boatright's Norwegian dog, which always traveled with him, wandered from the area where Boatright's body was discovered, entering a large pasture field of a nearby farmer, who shot the animal saying it was chasing his cattle and was growling when he approached it.

Sheriff Ballengee thanked Calhoun's three fire departments and others who volunteered for the search, and those who provided information in trying to locate the Calhoun man.

Stump Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.