Missing 59-Year Old Man Drowned In Stones River

Jul 02, 2018 at 10:50 pm by bryan


(Murfreesboro) 59-year old Floyd Walter Corley, Jr. was reported missing from Walter Hill Park on Sunday (7/1/2018) afternoon. Searchers later found his body beside the dam shortly after lunchtime on Monday.

The family members saw him face-to-face around 3:30 Sunday afternoon, and agreed they would be back around 6:00 o'clock to pick him up. When they returned, Mr. Corley was not there. The family then contacted the Murfreesboro Police Department and filed a missing person report. Officers rushed to Walter Hill Park on Sunday and searched the area. Police did not locate Mr. Corley or any of his belongings.

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On Monday morning, family members returned to the park. That's when they found some of his clothing, cell phone and other personal belongings. They were concerned that he had gone swimming.

With the recent rainfall, the Stones River was flowing quickly over the Walter Hill dam--currents and undertow are always treacherous there, but especially when there is swift water.

Murfreesboro Police Officer Amy Norville explained . . .



Officer Norville warned . . .



Norville said Mr. Corley, who lives in the area, loved the park and went there on a regular basis. He often relaxed by the river and worked crossword puzzles.

As this tragedy unfolded, there was a real show of teamwork between the different agencies.

First, it was happening in rural Walter Hill Park, which is several miles from the Murfreesboro City limits. However, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department acquired the land several years ago and built a section of greenway there. Therefore Murfreesboro Police along with Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue were there to assist.

In addition, the special water rescue teams from Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services and Rutherford County Fire and Rescue were there as well. They worked together flawlessly as a team.

And with the heat index at 99, the Lascassas Volunteer Fire Department assisted with special portable air conditioned retreat areas for the emergency responders.

Again, the search for a missing 59-year old man on Monday in the Walter Hill Park, ended tragically. Floyd Walter Corley, Jr. was found deceased, in the Stones River alongside the dam.

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