Beloved Outer Banks Health Provider Carlson “BJ” Johnson Found Dead After Fishing Trip Tragedy

Kill Devil Hills, N.C. — The Outer Banks community is reeling after the tragic discovery of Carlson “BJ” Johnson III, a respected nurse practitioner and long-time caregiver, whose body was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, May 15, 2025 — just one day after he went missing during a solo fishing trip.

Johnson, 49, departed from Oregon Inlet late Wednesday morning in an 18-foot gray Maycraft boat, accompanied only by his dog. A regular on the water and known for his love of fishing, BJ had not returned home by nightfall, and concern quickly spread among his loved ones and colleagues.

At 9:54 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard was notified that Johnson was overdue. Search operations were launched, but it was a local fisherman who made the heartbreaking discovery the next day. Johnson’s body was found about two miles north of Oregon Inlet and roughly two and a half miles offshore. The North Carolina Marine Patrol responded and recovered his remains, which are now in the care of the state’s Medical Examiner.

As of Friday afternoon, both Johnson’s vessel and his loyal dog remain missing. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission continues to investigate. Sgt. Anna E. Barbosa, who is leading the search, confirmed that one reported vessel sighting did not match the description. She is urging anyone who spots a gray 18-foot Maycraft boat to call her directly at 252-947-1510.

A Community in Mourning

Carlson “BJ” Johnson wasn’t just a health care worker — he was a pillar of compassion in the Outer Banks medical community. As a dedicated nurse practitioner with Outer Banks Health for more than a decade, BJ cared for thousands of patients and earned the trust and admiration of colleagues and residents across the region.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Outer Banks Health honored his legacy:

“Outer Banks Health is deeply saddened to learn of Carlson ‘BJ’ Johnson’s passing. BJ has been a nurse practitioner with Outer Banks Health for more than 10 years, and his unwavering commitment to serving the patients he loved made a profound difference in the lives of many. Outer Banks Health extends its deepest sympathies to all who knew BJ, including his family, friends, colleagues, and patients.”

Those who knew him describe Johnson as someone who always made time for others — a man who brought warmth, empathy, and professionalism to every appointment, and who remembered not just symptoms but stories.

“BJ was the heartbeat of our clinic,” one colleague said. “He never rushed a patient and always asked about your family, your stress, your hopes. He genuinely cared.”

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Search

Authorities have not yet released a cause of death, and weather conditions on the day of Johnson’s departure were reportedly calm. No distress calls were made from the vessel, and the exact circumstances that led to the tragic outcome remain unclear.

The ongoing search for Johnson’s missing dog — believed to have been on the boat with him — has drawn special attention from locals and pet lovers alike, with many expressing hope for the animal’s safe return. Wildlife officials are also continuing efforts to locate the missing boat in hopes that it may offer clues.

An Irreplaceable Loss

Johnson’s sudden passing has left a void that will be felt deeply across the Outer Banks. Patients who relied on him for years have taken to social media to share stories of his kindness and dedication. Friends and neighbors are planning a memorial to celebrate his life and service, though no official details have been released by the family at this time.

As the sun sets over the waters that Johnson so often enjoyed, the community he served so faithfully is left with grief — and gratitude.

Grief for a life cut short.

Gratitude for the care, comfort, and connection he offered so many.

If you have any information regarding a sighting of a gray 18-foot Maycraft boat, please contact Sgt. Anna Barbosa at 252-947-1510.

For continued updates, follow for more