Search Teams Find Dr. Smith Dead in Overton County

Authorities and search crews have found the body of Dr. James Smith in rural Overton County.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reports Smith’s body was located not far from his truck near Copeland Cove Road south of Livingston.

The 83-year-old Smith was first reported missing from his Cookeville residence by his wife Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities reported Saturday that Smith had driven to Overton County to visit farmland he owned and his grandson’s business. Smith had recently been diagnosed with dementia and walked with a cane.

Bad weather Thursday and Saturday impacted the search as the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol had used helicopters to assist in finding Smith.

The PCSO offers their condolences to Dr. Smith’s family.