Kentucky State Police Release:
***UPDATE***
On April 13, 2018 the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort was able to identify the body located in the Cumberland River as Johnny Carnes, 42, of Pineville. Mr. Carnes went missing in the Pineville area on February 6, 2018. According to the autopsy, no foul play is suspected. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Carnes died from an apparent drowning. Case is still under investigation by Det. Justin Barton.
Artemus, Ky. (April 12, 2018) On April 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Kentucky State Police, Post 10 Harlan received a call about a body found along the Cumberland River in the Artemus community of Knox County. Detectives and troopers from Post 10 responded to the scene and began working a death investigation.
Preliminary investigation indicates three kayakers were traveling down the Cumberland River when they discovered a decomposed body in debris located in the river. The Knox County Coroner, Mike Blevins was notified and assisted with the scene. The body was recovered by the Knox County Special Operations Response Team.
The deceased body will be sent off to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy to determine the identification and cause of death.
KSP Detective Justin Barton is continuing the investigation. Also assisted at the scene were members of the Knox County Coroner’s Office and members of the Knox County Special Operations Response Team.
