Kinston Police: Search for missing person ends with fatality

On Saturday, July 24th, 2021, at approximately 1:40 am, members of the Kinston Police Department responded to the 1200 block of S. Queen St. Kinston, N.C. in reference to a subject that had jumped off of the Queen Street Bridge.  Upon arrival officers were able to identify the individual as Dakota Gray, 23, of LaGrange.  The Kinston Fire Department was called for assistance with the water rescue; however firefighters and officers were unable to locate the subject. 

Since that time, members of the Kinston Police Department, Kinston Fire Department, Lenoir County Emergency Management, and surrounding volunteer fire departments searched diligently to locate Mr. Gray. 

On Wednesday, July 28th, 2021, at approximately 9:30 am, search crews located Mr. Gray, who was deceased, approximately 5 miles from the bridge.  Although there is no foul play suspected detectives with the Kinston Police Department are still looking into the events that took place that night.  The Kinston Police Department would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the Gray family during this immense tragedy.  

If anyone has information about this incident, please call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444.