GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Heartbreak has struck a North Carolina family after the devastating confirmation that 30-year-old Justin Bright has been found dead, days after being reported missing. His mother, Carla Pridgen, told The North Carolina Beat on Thursday night that her beloved son’s body has been located and sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office in Raleigh for a full autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Pridgen, who has been tirelessly searching and pleading for answers since Justin’s disappearance, expressed her unimaginable pain and sorrow, saying her worst fears have now been realized. “I just wanted my baby to come home,” she said, her voice breaking as she spoke about the loss of her only son.
According to investigators, Justin was last seen around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the La Grange area of North Carolina. When his phone suddenly went dark and he failed to return home, concern quickly grew among family and friends. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that he was officially reported missing around 3:30 a.m. on October 23, 2025, triggering an intensive search effort across several counties.
Before his disappearance, Justin had been driving a smoke gray 2025 Toyota Camry with black rims—a vehicle that became a central focus in the investigation after a GPS tracker revealed a concerning trail through multiple towns.
Pridgen provided key details about the car’s movements in the hours following Justin’s last known contact. The vehicle was tracked through several locations before it was ultimately recovered and processed by authorities:
- Goldsboro, NC: The car’s first GPS ping was near Connie Walk, a trailer park area familiar to locals.
- Mount Olive, NC: The next signal led searchers to 918 Church Street, where they found one of Justin’s bracelets and an air freshener matching the one from his car discarded in a nearby yard — a haunting discovery that deepened fears for his safety.
- Clinton, NC: The trail continued to 327 Stewart Avenue, raising more questions about Justin’s movements or who may have been with him.
- Raleigh, NC: The final ping placed the vehicle near West Grove Tower, close to another apartment complex where the car was eventually located, towed, and examined by authorities.
Despite the recovery of his car, Justin himself remained missing — until the tragic confirmation of his death. Details surrounding where and how his body was found have not yet been publicly disclosed.
At this time, no suspects or persons of interest have been named, and investigators continue to piece together the timeline leading up to Justin’s final moments. The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct a thorough autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Justin Bright was known by family and friends as a kind-hearted, funny, and loyal man who loved his community and cared deeply for those around him. Loved ones describe him as someone who could “light up a room” with his smile and genuine spirit.
As the investigation continues, the Goldsboro community stands with the Pridgen family, offering prayers, condolences, and unwavering support during this unimaginable time of loss.
Those close to the family ask for privacy as they grieve and await answers from the ongoing investigation.
Rest in Peace, Justin Bright.
Your light will forever shine in the hearts of those who loved you.
