Asheville Man Found Dead in Old Fort Remembered as ‘Joyful’ YMCA Youth Mentor

Asheville Man Found Dead in Old Fort Remembered as ‘Joyful’ YMCA Youth Mentor

Family and coworkers share memories of DeAndre “Desmond” Clark

ASHEVILLE — While the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office continues investigating the death of Asheville local DeAndre “Desmond” Clark, his family and coworkers shared memories of a young father who spent most of his time helping children at the local YMCA and West Buncombe Elementary School. The 22-year-old was first reported missing to the Asheville Police Department on April 19 by his mother, an APD spokesperson previously told the Citizen Times. Three days later, McDowell sheriff’s officers responding to a call about a body located on Batcave Road in the Old Fort Community found him behind an abandoned business with a gunshot wound to the head, according to his newly released death certificate.

A ‘Joyful’ YMCA Youth Mentor

Amy Deter, YMCA Executive Director of Youth Services and one of Clark’s supervisors, said the young leader had an impact on children across town, and everyone is reeling from the loss of someone she described as irreplaceable and unique. “He was a joy, and just full of potential and full of life,” Deter said. “I think everyone just feels sad, angry, all of the emotions and all of the grief.” Before he was promoted to the YMCA’s program coordinator at West Buncombe Elementary School in November, Clark worked as a youth mentor, teaching local children “how to solve their problems and control their emotions,” Deter said.

Family Remembers a Loving Father

Clark’s aunt, LaShonda Clark, said her nephew loved working with youth and it “was all he talked about.” And the feeling seems mutual – on a GoFundMe page started by his mother, comments from parents of children he cared for describe his smile and laughter. Now, Clark’s coworkers at the YMCA are putting together a memory book for his family with drawings and notes from the children and staff, all in celebration of Clark, Deter said. A father of a 3-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son, Clark was born and raised in Asheville, attending Asheville Middle School and graduating from Asheville High School, LaShonda Clark said.

Investigation Updates

Clark’s mother last saw him at her home in Hillcrest on April 18 before she said he went to see some friends across town, APD spokesperson Rick Rice previously told the Citizen Times. Clark was at work the next day, Deter said. His newly released death certificate indicates Clark suffered a gunshot wound to the head, although his manner of death is still listed as pending as of May 9. The sheriff’s office did not respond to whether it is investigating his death as a homicide.

Arrest Made in Connection

The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation at the request of the sheriff’s office. Scott Styles, 48, was arrested and charged with larceny and breaking and entering a motor vehicle after he was found driving Clark’s car by Black Mountain Police Department officers on April 23, according to a McDowell Sheriff’s news release. The release didn’t indicate if Styles was involved in Clark’s death, and the sheriff’s office did not answer questions regarding his level of involvement. In response to questions, McDowell Sheriff spokesperson D’jan Vallini said, “we’re not going to release any details of this case at this time.”

Positive Impact Remembered

“He’s going to be loved and missed by everyone,” LaShonda Clark said, highlighting the impact Clark had on those around him. With an outpouring of support from the community and those he touched through his work with children, Desmond Clark will be remembered as a ‘joyful’ YMCA youth mentor, leaving a lasting legacy of positivity and kindness.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network.

Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

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