UPS Driver Finds Deceased Fisherman In The Red River
PORTLAND TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Sumner County Detectives are investigating after a UPS driver delivering packages Friday morning found a body in the Red River.
Around 10 am Friday morning the UPS driver was passing over a bridge on Buntin Mill Rd MAP when he saw something that looked like a mannequin floating in the Red River. The driver stopped and backed up to take a look and confirmed that it was indeed a body.
Detectives with the Sumner County Sheriff Office arrived and began an investigation. Though the investigation is still on-going, Sheriff Sonny Weatherford told Smokey Barn News that fishing equipment was found with the body and it appears that the gentleman was fishing and had some sort of medical emergency.
According to Sheriff Weatherford, the gentleman had been dropped off at the bridge by his wife to go catfishing around midnight and must have died overnight.
Detectives have requested an autopsy to confirm the cause of death but at the moment there is no evidence to suspect foul play, Weatherford said.
The fisherman has been identified as Ronny Blankenship, 60, of Portland.
Smokey Barn News will be keeping Ronny’s family and friends, as well as the UPS driver, in our thoughts and prayers as they face the days ahead.
If any new developments occur we will bring it to you. Refresh this page for updates.
