Woman's body, chemicals found in car in Franklin

By Harriet Vaughan, The Tennessean

LEIPER'S FORK COMMUNITY - More answers are expected today into the death of a woman whose body was found in a parked car Wednesday morning with a sticker on the window warning of poisonous gas.

At 8:30 a.m., a park cleaning crew found a BMW with the body inside at the Garrison Creek picnic area off Natchez Trace Parkway.

It was nearly four hours before a hazmat team from the Franklin Fire Department removed the woman's body from the car and secured the scene.

Chemicals were found with the body, according to Franklin Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Culberson, but he would not comment on exactly what those chemicals are. Tests are under way.

Investigators will use those results to help classify her death. Investigators would not reveal the woman's identity last night.

Ranger Daniel Kimes of the National Park Service, said the Garrison Creek turnoff is open 24 hours, unlike some picnic areas along Natchez Trace that are closed off after sunset.

That area is frequented by horseback riders who access nearby trails, joggers and students of local schools for hiking trips.