In the autumn of 2004, a sense of unease settled over the community of Candler, North Carolina, following the disappearance of 68-year-old Young Hwan Chang. A native of Korea who spoke very little English, Mr. Chang had only recently moved to the area from Atlanta, Georgia, where his family resided. He became a resident of the Mount Pisgah Family Care Home on November 3, 2004. Just three days later, on November 6, he was last seen at approximately 4:00 p.m.
in the vicinity of the 30 block of Upper Saw Branch Rd. It is known that he walked into the nearby Pisgah Valley Market, appeared disoriented as he looked around, and then walked out. He was reportedly wearing a white short-sleeved polo shirt, a blue denim pullover shirt, white pants, and house slippers. He also wore a distinctive gold nugget-patterned 'Seiko' watch on his left wrist.
The search for Young Hwan Chang began almost immediately, with his family, including his son who was an Army Major stationed in South Korea, traveling to Asheville to aid in the efforts. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office led the investigation, utilizing dog teams to try and track his scent. The dogs were able to follow his trail to a nearby mobile home park, which led authorities to believe that someone may have given him a ride out of the area. This theory was supported by a detective from the sheriff's department, who publicly stated the real possibility that someone gave him a ride and appealed to the public for any information regarding anyone who may have seen him get into a car. Mr. Chang was also living with Alzheimer's disease, a medical condition that likely contributed to his disorientation and disappearance.
Despite the efforts of his family and law enforcement, the case of Young Hwan Chang has remained unsolved for years. The initial searches conducted by police and fire departments were extensive, yet yielded no conclusive answers. His family remained in Asheville for a period, continuing to search and hope for his safe return. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unknown, and the question of what happened after he left the Pisgah Valley Market continues to be a painful mystery. The investigation, which is documented under Buncombe County Sheriff's Office case number 2004-0108-62, represents a lingering and sorrowful chapter for his loved ones and the community.Last Seen: Nov 6, 2004
