Metro Nashville police and rescue crews pulled a body from the Cumberland River on Thursday afternoon near the Shelby Park boat ramp, authorities said. First responders headed to the river after a 911 call and were at the scene around 3:40 p.m. Officers along the riverbank confirmed a recovery but have not released the identity of the deceased. The Metro Nashville Police Department says the case is under investigation.
According to WSMV, police and rescue crews were dispatched to the Shelby Park boat ramp area after the emergency call came in, and officers on scene told the station they had recovered a body from the water.
Where it happened
The recovery took place near the Shelby Park boat ramp, which Metro Parks lists at Shelby Avenue and 20th Street, providing access to the Cumberland River at mile marker 193. The ramp is a well-used launch spot for kayaks and small boats and sits next to the Shelby Bottoms greenway, a busy stretch for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Past recoveries on the Cumberland
The Cumberland River has seen similar recoveries in recent years. In October 2024, WSMV reported on a body recovered near Riverfront Park. NewsChannel 5 has also covered multiple cases where crews pulled bodies from the river and turned them over to the medical examiner. In those investigations, authorities typically rely on autopsies and Metro Nashville police work to determine identity and cause of death.
What officials say
The Metro Nashville Police Department has not released additional details about Thursday’s recovery, including how long the body may have been in the water or whether foul play is suspected. WSMV reported that investigators remained at the scene and that no other information was available at the time. Police are asking anyone with information that might assist the investigation to contact Metro Nashville authorities.
