Stolen Orville Wright bust found on Outer Banks beach
A bust of Orville Wright that was stolen from the Wright Brothers National Memorial over the weekend has been found, authorities said Tuesday.
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Someone called Dare County authorities shortly before 3:30 p.m. to report that the copper bust was "tucked" in the dunes on the beach at Kill Devil Hills.
Local police and National Park Service rangers went to the site, less than a mile from the hilltop memorial, and recovered the bust.
The memorial sits atop Big Kill Devil Hill and features busts of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Authorities said the 300-pound granite base holding the Orville Weight bust was toppled over and damaged either Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
Park Service rangers are investigating the theft and vandalism and asked homeowners and business owners in the area of the memorial and 909 S. Virginia Dare Trail, near where the bust was found, to review security camera footage and report any suspicious activity between Saturday night and Tuesday afternoon.
People with information are asked to call or text the Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch tip line at 888-653-0009.
This marks the third time the Orville Wright bust has been stolen, said Ashley Dickerson, a ranger with the National Park Service, explaining that it was also stolen in 1985 and 1987 but recovered both times.
The Wilbur Wright bust has also been taken in the past, officials said.
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