While Creighton Northgate has been incredibly active over the last decade, it seems that his efforts have largely gone ignored by most local and regional news organizations. Following are the few articles I have found that relate to him, reprinted with permission from the various publications - although some have requested that I remove their name from the articles. I've also located some information related to Crate from his hometown newspaper, more specifically that of his brother and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding him.
Public Notice Posted in Sutton's Mill Gazette:
Residents of Sutton's Mill - As I'm sure most of you are aware, last night's town meeting focused on the recent disappearances and deaths our town's been plagued with over the last few months. In light of the recent sightings of something in the woods around us, and due to the impending tourist season and the negative impact that such a situation could cause, the majority seems to be in favor of contacting Mr. Creighton Northgate. Most of you have heard of this man by now, and the stories of what he has been able to do in the past for others with similar problems. I'm writing this announcement as a matter of public record due to the fact that his fee will be taken from the town treasury. Darcy Wilson at The Doublemine Lodge has been gracious enough to offer him free accommodations during his stay if he agrees to help us with our problem. By the time you read this I will have already contacted him. I hope that you'll all offer him any assistance he may need should he come to our aid. Thank you all very much, and may god keep us safe during our hour of need. Mayor Mark Jones
Reprinted With Permission, Newspaper's Name Withheld by Request:
Local authorities recovered the body of Amy Lee last night, daughter of Tom and Margie Lee. Amy had been missing for a little over two years and was believed to have been abducted by persons unknown. Few details are known at this time although the authorities are believed to have been aided in the discovery by a man known as Creighton Northgate. His level of involvement in the case is unknown as well. The family has requested that their privacy be respected during this time of mourning. No further details are expected to be released by the authorities or the family at this time.
Excerpt Reprinted With Permission, Ashton Citizen Times Note - This is an older report from more than ten years ago. Those mentioned in the article wouldn't respond to my inquiries for a statement.
The Ashton Rescue Squad, working with several volunteers as well as the police department, retrieved a 1996 Ford Ranger from the Tuckaseegee River late yesterday evening. The truck was registered to Martin Northgate, although Mr. Northgate himself has not been found.
"There was no body in the truck," William Bishop of the ARS said. "But we have no clue how long the truck was actually in the water. If the driver wasn't wearing a seat belt there's a good chance the current could have pulled them out at some point."
Authorities have been unable to locate Mr. Northgate and his family have been unavailable for comment as of this time. The river itself is in the process of being searched, with plans to drag Lake Nantahala already being made. Additionally, sweeps of the woods around the accident site are being organized. There is no indication as to what caused the accident and no witnesses have came forward yet as to not only the crash or as to having seen Martin Northgate the day of the crash.
Police Chief Derek Ashe said: "Best we can figure his brother Creighton was the last one to see him, and that was just for a second the morning the truck went in the water. He said that nothing seemed out of the ordinary and that Martin told him he'd be back in time for dinner."
Volunteers are urged to contact the Ashton Rescue Squad or the Ashton Police Department if they want to participate in any of the search efforts over the upcoming days.