Body found floating in Cumberland River identified

The autopsy report said there was no trauma prior to the man’s death.
Published: Aug. 28, 2025 at 9:17 PM CDT|Updated: Sep. 1, 2025 at 10:39 AM CDT
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Metro Nashville Police Department released the identity of the man whose body was found in the river last week.

MNPD officers and medical personnel from the Nashville Fire Department were called to 1508 Lock Road on Thursday, August 28, around 5:30 p.m., regarding the discovery of a man’s body in the water.

The autopsy report said there was no trauma prior to the man’s death.
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The body was discovered by a citizen near a creek that extends from the Cumberland River, according to MNPD.

Nashville Fire launched a boat to recover the body, which was later identified as 60-year-old John Lankford, of Nashville.

The investigation into how Lankford died and how he ended up in the water remains ongoing. Nashville PD reported the body showed no signs of trauma on Thursday, and the autopsy report confirmed no trauma.

The cause and manner of death are still undetermined.