The Newport Police Department is currently investigating after the discovery of a body floating in the Pigeon River, as officials responded to a call last Wednesday to the location of 170 West Main Street, as reported by WATE. In a collaborative effort, the Cocke County Swift Water Team alongside the Newport Rescue Squad aided police in recovering the remains from the river.

Upon recovery, the body was transported to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for autopsy where it was identified as Billy Joe Jones, a 44-year-old man, as per WATE.

At this nascent stage of the investigation, information is sparse and the authorities are holding back details from the public, however, Newport Police has requested that individuals with any leads contact Detective Will Garber at the Newport Police Department using the phone number 423-623-5556, according to WVLT,