Kayakers discovered a body near Paxton Creek in Marion just after Noon Monday.

Emergency units were called to the scene initially as a report of a possible drowning.

According to the McDowell Sheriff’s Office, three kayakers were in the area of Paxton Creek behind Woody Farm Drive whenever they spotted the victim in the water.

Officials say the white female was taken to Chapel Hill for autopsy and identification.

The case remains under investigation by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.

A suspected chop shop has been located in Caldwell County.

Caldwell County deputies on Tuesday obtained a search warrant for 3990 Tom Calloway Lane in Hudson.

Multiple stolen vehicles and registration plates were recovered during the search.

Reports say property recovered was reported stolen from several western NC counties including Caldwell, Catawba, Lincoln, and Wilkes; and also from Simpsonville SC.

The investigation continues while charges are pending.

Anyone with information should call Caldwell Crimestoppers at 758-8300.

A crash Tuesday afternoon on Interstate-40 has reportedly claimed the lives of a pair of motorcyclists.

Emergency responders report two motorcycles collided with each other causing both to slide hundreds of yards near the 115 milemarker eastbound I-40, killing Roger Lee and Kaa Yang, both of Catawba County.

Reports say the cycles were traveling in a group of four prior to the mishap.

Burke County EMS, first responders, and REACT responded to the scene.

The NC Highway Patrol is investigating.

Witnesses identify a couple who broke into a Marion home.

40-year-old Terri Jo Allen and 36-year-old Chet Eugene Saylor both of 2294 Mudcut Road Marion have been charged with breaking and entering, and larceny.

Jonathan Lee told McDowell deputies someone had entered his property on Lee Drive and stole 225-dollars-worth of items including a guitar, a chainsaw, a machete, and a large knife.

Witnesses reportedly identified the suspects as being Allen and Saylor.

All of the stolen property was recovered.