ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County authorities are investigating after deputies discovered a body Wednesday near Elk Mountain Scenic Highway while searching for a man who was reported missing last month.

According to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies located the deceased person on March 4 during the search effort. Officials said it is not yet clear whether the body is that of the missing man.

Authorities said identification will be confirmed by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Additional information will be released once a positive identification is made and next of kin have been notified.

Quentin Miller said investigators do not believe the discovery poses any ongoing risk to the public.

“As we work to gain additional information in this investigation, we would like the community to know this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community,” Miller said in a statement.