Lynette Rice Wright, a 57-year-old white female, passed away on June 20, 2016, in Candler, North Carolina. Lynette was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and worked as an x-ray technician for 30 years. She was known for her love of the lake, music, and college football, particularly Clemson. Lynette was also involved in filming for Asheville High School football for 15 years.
She was a member of New Morgan Hill Baptist Church and a former member of Red Oak Baptist Church in Marshall.
The circumstances surrounding Lynette's death were tragic. Investigators believe that her husband, Jewell Carlton Wright Jr., 56, shot and killed her before turning the gun on himself. Lynette was found dead in her bed, while her husband was discovered lying beside her holding a loaded gun. Jewell Carlton Wright Jr. was still alive when emergency personnel arrived but later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The couple had been struggling with the loss of their only son, Jacob Wright, who died in a car accident two years prior. This loss had a profound impact on them, leading to immense grief and sadness.
The investigation into the deaths of Lynette and Jewell Carlton Wright Jr. remained ongoing at the time. Autopsies were scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office was involved in the investigation, and a search warrant was filed by Detective John Ledford. The couple's deaths were believed to be a result of a murder-suicide pact, driven by the overwhelming grief they experienced after their son's tragic accident.
Lynette Rice Wright's death was a heartbreaking event for her family and community. She is survived by her daughter, Kristie Wright, her sister, Stephanie Edmonds, and her brothers, Danny Rice and Jeff Rice. Lynette also left behind several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The memorial services for Lynette and her husband were held at Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville, where family and friends gathered to pay their respects and remember the couple.
