The death of 19-year-old Kloie MatteAnne Cox has left the Hayesville community heartbroken as family, friends, and neighbors remember her remarkable spirit, talents, and determination.
Authorities confirmed that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is treating her death as a homicide after her body was discovered near Marble on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Born and raised in Clay County, Kloie graduated from Hayesville High School in 2024.
Known for her drive and work ethic, she worked alongside her father at Cox & Son Roofing and was pursuing studies to become a diesel mechanic.
Beyond her career goals, she also carried a lifelong passion for art, creating unique and beautiful pieces that reflected her creativity.
Kloie had a deep love for animals, often taking in pets and nursing them back to health.
She shared her home with her beloved dog, Arthur, and cat, Mittens, both of whom she cared for dearly.
Kloie’s athletic career stood out as a source of inspiration. She played softball, competed in shot put, and embraced wrestling and football.
Her grit led her to become the only female to play junior varsity football under Coach Chad McClure at Hayesville.
Wearing jersey #12, she made history as a strong offensive and defensive line player.
Coach McClure remembered her as “a very tough player who never backed down from anyone,” while friends described her as “one hell of a football player.”
Her determination extended to motocross, where she demonstrated the same courage and resilience that defined her character.
Kloie was the cherished daughter of Matthew Cox and Katherine Anne Marie Tait Cox of Hayesville.
She is also survived by her siblings, Klayre MaKaylin Cox of Hayesville, Cory Matthew Cox of Roswell, Georgia, and Kiersten Lanther and husband Jimmy of Duluth, Georgia.
She leaves behind countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as her grandparents, Betty Cox of Hayesville and the late Tim Cox, and the late Allen Timothy Jr. and Anne Marie Hohmann Tait.
Those who knew Kloie described her as a magnetic presence who drew people together.
She was the light of her parents’ lives and a bond that connected many within her family and community.
Funeral services for Kloie will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home in Hayesville.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1:45 p.m. before the service. A private graveside service will follow at the Hohmann Family Cemetery.
In her memory, donations may be made to Logan’s Run Rescue in Marble or Elevation Motocross in Brasstown, reflecting both her compassion for animals and her passion for motocross.
The SBI continues to investigate Kloie’s death as a homicide. As of Wednesday, no further details have been released.
Her family, friends, and the entire Hayesville community now seek justice while holding onto the legacy of a young woman remembered for her strength, kindness, and unwavering determination.
