Death of Newport man ruled accidental

A Carteret County man whose body was found earlier this week along the shore of Bogue Sound died of an apparent accidental drowning.

Police do not suspect foul play in the death of James Bell, 49, of Newport. Results of an autopsy performed Thursday showed that Bell had a broken neck and the death was ruled a drowning, said Maj. Richard Abell of the Morehead City Police Department.

The injuries were consistent with someone diving into shallow water, Abell said.

Bell's body was found Wednesday on the beach along Bogue Sound just west of the Carteret Community College campus.

Abell said Morehead City authorities began searching for Bell after being contacted by Newport police. A boat was launched after Bell's truck was found at the end of South Lockhart Street but he could not be located.