x
Breaking News
More () »

Sheriff confirms Crown College student died of accidental drowning

Blake R. Smith was a student at Crown College in Powell.

Investigators have confirmed a preliminary autopsy report that the death of a Crown College student was an accident and provided further information about what authorities believe happened.

On February 4, the body of Blake R. Smith, 20, of Trussville, Alabama, was found in Georges Creek, near where his car was in an accident. He had been reported missing two days before.

The Blount County Sheriff's Office said the case was closed after a meeting with medical examiners and the District Attorney General. Some friends and family have questioned whether foul play could have been involved in Smith's death because of some early information that was released about what was found at the scene.

Based on the evidence, here is what investigators think happened:

Smith was out exploring, as investigators learned he liked to do. He found his way to a neighborhood on Ballards Way in Lousiville, where he somehow got stuck in the mud near a home that was under construction.

In an attempt to get his vehicle out of the mud, they believe he placed a piece of concrete (erroneously called a brick in the initial incident report) that he likely found in the construction debris, on the accelerator to make the car easier to push.

Muddy hand prints on the driver's side fender and footprints indicate that he likely pushed the car in that area, Somehow, Smith got caught between the driver's door and the decking support of the house and was injured.

He suffered a small subdural brain bleed, which likely caused him to become confused and disoriented.

Investigators said he was alone when he entered the water, which was only 18-20 inches deep where he was found, about a half mile from where the accident happened. The medical examiner ruled his death was the result of an accidental drowning. The toxicology report was negative for any drugs or alcohol.

When officers arrived on the scene the next day, the car was still running. A water jug was found on the driver's side floor board, and Smith's wallet containing cash and credit cards was found near the car.

Investigators have met with Smith's family and explained their findings.

“Blake’s death is a sad and unfortunate accident,” Sheriff Jim Berrong said. “From all accounts, he was a Godly and kind young man who had an adventurous spirit and liked to explore, which is likely why he came to Blount County. His life, and death, touched many people, including those of us at the Sheriff’s Office. I am very sad for the family and friends he left behind.”

Before You Leave, Check This Out