Tragedy struck in North Carolina as authorities discovered a missing teenager deceased last week, prompting a homicide investigation following initial autopsy findings.

Joseph Rose had been reported missing to the Asheville Police Department on December 2, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. On December 12, a body was discovered in Candler, later identified as the missing teenager.

Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death or details on how they located Rose. However, his sister shared with WLOS that his body was found in a ditch.

“We’re unsure of the circumstances,” stated Emily Ivory Rose. “The manner and location where they found him leave us with many questions, particularly why he had no contact with us.”

The family last communicated with Joseph on November 24.

“He was just so young and dear to us,” Emily expressed. “I constantly worried about him.”