KINSTON -- Charles Shackleford, a former NC State and NBA player and North Carolina native, was found dead in Kinston on Friday morning. 

The Kinston Police Department said Shackleford was found at a residence on Rouse Road.

The cause of death is unknown and police are investigating. 

The athlete was born in Kinston, NC and that's where he died on Friday.

He played at the NC State from 1985 to 1988 and the Athletics department says, "NC State is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Wolfpack men’s basketball player, Charles Shackleford. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family during this difficult time."