Missing and endangered man found deceased in Rhode Island

A search by authorities has ended after a missing Rhode Island man has been found deceased.

According to police, on Wednesday at approximately 4:30 p.m. officers from the North Providence Police Department responded to Palm Street for the report of a suicidal male that left his residence on foot earlier in the day.

Officers were told that a letter was found shortly after 4:00 p.m. from the missing party’s girlfriend. The handwritten letter from 57-year-old Carl MacNeal stated he was going to harm himself and he was in possession of a handgun.

MacNeal left the residence at approximately 10:00 a.m. on foot and left his cell phone behind.

Officers were told he may be heading towards wooded areas. With the assistance of a K-9 and drone, officers and detectives checked numerous locations throughout town.

The search was suspended at 10:00 p.m. due to safety concerns and navigating through heavy woods and brush. After the search was suspended for the night, officers were notified that MacNeal enjoyed walking in Lincoln Woods.

Thursday morning, prior to continuing the search in Lincoln Woods State Park, the Lincoln Police Department notified NPPD at approximately 8:15 a.m. that a body was observed by a passing motorist lying just into the wood line at the intersection of Albion Road and Knollwood Road.

Officers responded to the location and identified MacNeal who suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

McNeal was described as a nice guy who started a neighborhood book borrowing box in front of his house for people to exchange.