FPD mourns passing of Officer McCarson

This story was updated on September 23. A Franklin police officer died last week in an off-duty motorcycle wreck. Officer Marcus McCarson, 21, died on Thursday, Sept. 17 in a two-vehicle wreck on NC 28 near Queens Branch Road shortly after noon. McCarson had been traveling north on Hwy. 28 on his motorcycle when a collision occurred between him and a van attempting to turn left onto Hwy. 28 from Queens Branch. Following McCarson's death, the Franklin Police Department shared he had been riding his motorcycle recreationally off-duty. A social media post reads, "He was only 21 years of age and had just begun his law enforcement career with FPD in December 2025. Before joining law enforcement, he served in the United States Marine Corps." McCarson was born in Newport News, Virginia, and moved to Franklin in 2024. McCarson is survived by his wife Abby and his two-month old daughter Azzi. The Town of Franklin released a resolution to honor McCarson's life and service on Sunday, Sept. 20, declaring Sept. 22 a "solemn day of remembrance and tribute for Officer Marcus McCarson in the Town of Franklin." Flags are to be flown at half-mast through Saturday, Sept. 26. "The passing of Officer Marcus McCarson has brought profound sorrow to his family, colleagues, friends and the countless residents whose lives were made better by his presence and public service," the resolution reads. "Though Officer Marcus McCarson did not fall in the line of duty, his steadfast vigilance, character and sacrifice to this community represent the highest ideals of public service and will never be forgotten … it is entirely fitting that we as a community pause to recognize the lasting legacy of Officer Marcus McCarson and extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support to his loved ones during this time of immense grief." McCarson's Sept. 22 funeral saw appearances from local and regional law enforcement and first responders, including appearances from local firefighters and EMTs. Cherokee and Swain County Sheriff's Offices and the Highlands, Asheville, Bryson City and Sylva Police Department attended the funeral and joined a procession from the Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center through downtown Franklin and over to Woodlawn Cemetery for McCarson's burial. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Macon County Sheriff's Office, State Highway Patrol and Franklin Fire and Rescue lead the procession, joined by motorcyclists from American Legion Post 108 and neighboring legionaries riding in honor of Officer McCarson. At the burial, law enforcement officers, family, friends and members of the public attended to see final words from Rev. David Dickerson. A 21 gun salute was conducted but the Macon County Sheriff's Office, followed by Taps from SHP Trooper Ty Gibs and a last call from Macon County 911 dispatcher Wayne Pendergrass. FPD sergeants Matt Bingham and Jesse Henkel folded McCarson's American flag, which Holland presented to Abby McCarson. Fundraisers for McCarson's surviving family have been organized. The "Support Abby and Azzi after Marcus's Loss" GoFundMe page has raised more than $15,000 of a $22,000 goal in donations for the family (gofundme.com). A fundraiser will be held at Jaxon's Downtown on Sept. 28 from 4 to 8 p.m., selling $20 plates of pulled pork, smoked wings or ribs, with all proceeds and tips going to the family. "Marcus was loved like a little brother by everyone here at the PD," said FPD Chief Devin Holland. "He served the Town of Franklin with the utmost professionalism and integrity for which we are most grateful. Please keep his family, friends, and our department in your thoughts and prayers during the grieving days ahead." Macon County Sheriff's Deputy Caleb Cloer, who knew McCarson, said on social media, "I've only known Marcus for a little over a year, but it feels like I've known the man my whole life. We goofed around all the time during training. In reality, I don't know how we didn't all get kicked out for goofing around but that's a story for another time. The dude knew how to have fun, and he wanted everyone around him to have fun too. We're here today to celebrate a life, not a loss, because Heaven gained a good one. Your family in blue will continue to have your six, just like you always had ours. And we'll continue to look after your family as well." Further details of a State Highway Patrol investigation into the incident have yet to be released, but a SHP representative said no charges have been filed as of Monday, Sept. 21. Reporter Shelby Powell can be reached at reporter@thefranklinpress.com.

FPD mourns passing of Officer McCarson

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