Police Respond to Misinformation Regarding Death Investigation
Published on July 07, 2026
The Oak Island Police Department has been made aware of a report circulating online and social media from TheNCBeat.com, calling into question the investigation surrounding the death of Patrice Jones Bass, 40 of Henderson, NC on May 17, 2026 at 105 SE 58th Street in Oak Island.
It is first important to note that this is an open, ongoing investigation. To preserve the integrity of the investigation and protect the privacy of the immediate family, whom investigators have been and continue to be in constant communication with, exact details cannot and will not be released to the public at this time.
While any death such as this is both tragic and unfortunate, it is important to clarify that this is a Death Investigation and has not been classified as a homicide. At no point has any evidence collected at the scene or following indicated signs of violence or criminal acts. A total of eight (8) officers from the Oak Island Police Department responded to the initial call, along with additional support from Brunswick County EMS and the Oak Island Fire Department. A full investigation was conducted onsite, which included a search of the scene by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), along with neighborhood canvasing and multiple interviews.
Currently, the department is awaiting results of a full autopsy and toxicology report from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). These reports take time to be thoroughly completed and delivered; however, initial reports from OCME indicate the victim's injuries are consistent with those sustained from a fall. Unless evidence presents otherwise, this case will continue to be treated as a Death Investigation. The Department remains committed to continuing a thorough and objective investigation. If at any point the status changes, this response will be updated and a public notice will be issued.
Equally Important to note, in a case of criminal activity or an immediate threat to public safety, the Oak Island Police Department works diligently to provide information to the public as quickly as possible. Out of respect to the immediate families they affect, death investigations are not published unless they present an immediate public safety concern.
ARTICLE RESPONSE
It is also important to directly address the tabloidism of the article published. The Oak Island Police Department was initially contacted by the author while Town Offices were closed for Independence Day. Despite the holiday closure, the Oak Island Communications Manager did respond to let the author know they would not be able to fulfil this request in the same day, but would work to respond as quickly as possible.
Contrary to the claims in the article, at no point were the author’s requests ignored, nor were they denied a comment.
The Town of Oak Island remains committed to working with legitimate, unbiased sources of reporting, and to providing accurate, transparent information to the public with a focus on responsible community policing.
As a reminder to all residents and visitors, information seen on social media or third-party websites can always be verified directly with the Town. To contact any Town Department, simply use the Contact Form available at OakIslandNC.gov/CONTACT or click the link below.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US