A man intentionally drove into Duck River in downtown Shelbyville and died Monday afternoon in what police say was an apparent suicide.
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A man intentionally drove into Duck River in downtown Shelbyville and died Monday afternoon in what police say was an apparent suicide.
Christopher Palmer Jr., 22, of Shelbyville was unresponsive when rescuers arrived at Duck River dam in Fisherman’s Park shortly before 4 p.m., police said.
“Witnesses observed a subject drive into the river,” Deputy Chief Brian Crews of the Shelbyville Police Department said. “The subject was unsuccessful in his first attempt and backed up and drove into the river a second time – right below the dam.”
Callers to 911 reported seeing the car run into the river at “full speed.” The river was flowing faster and at a higher level than normal due to weekend rain.
Shelbyville Fire & Rescue personnel used an inflatable rescue raft to reach the small car, which was upside down just below the dam approximately 10 feet from shore.
“First responders were called to the scene and retrieved an unresponsive male from within the vehicle,” Crews said.
A wrecker was used to pull the vehicle away from the rushing waters so first responders could have an easier time accessing the vehicle and, eventually, pulling it onshore.
An autopsy will determine whether Palmer died of injuries or drowned, Crews said. The vehicle did not appear to have serious damage.
