Danny Durham Obituary, Death – Authorities in Marion County are investigating the discovery of a body over the weekend, while also conducting a search for a suspect in a separate serious crime. Officials have not confirmed whether the two incidents are connected.
According to Marion County Sheriff Bo Burnett, deputies were called to the area of River Canyon Road around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday after receiving reports of a body being found. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) was brought in to assist with the case.
On Monday, the TBI identified the deceased as 66-year-old Danny Durham. His body was discovered under a pile of scrap metal in the backyard of a home on Big Rock Road. Durham’s family says he did not live at the residence where he was found, though he frequently visited his bedridden uncle who lived there.
A cousin of Durham’s stated that their last contact was early last week. After several unanswered calls and messages, family members grew concerned and reported him missing later that week.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of Durham’s death. Officials have not released further details about how he may have ended up at the property.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Tennessee Forestry Division temporarily closed Prentice Cooper State Forest due to an ongoing search for a suspect linked to a serious crime that took place Sunday night.
A statement posted online by the Forestry Division explained the reason for the closure:
“To facilitate the search for a suspect in a serious crime committed in the vicinity of Prentice Cooper State Forest last night (3/9/2025), the forest is temporarily closed to the public. We are taking this step to ensure the safety of the public and staff and to assist law enforcement agencies’ activities during this time.”
Despite the proximity of both incidents, the TBI has not confirmed whether the suspect search is related to Durham’s death.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community remains on edge, awaiting further updates on both cases.