Woman Drowns in Motel Bathtub

McKENZIE — A Dyer, Tennessee woman is believed to have drowned in the bathtub of the Relax Inn Motel, McKenzie, on July 10.
According to a report filed by Darren Davis, officers responded to Relax Inn, Room 115, Highland Avenue, at 5:23 a.m., where they found Laquita L. Powell, 51, Freemont Street, Dyer, Tennessee, unresponsive.
Officer Matthew Cunningham, Dustin McClure and Sergeant Davis were nearby when the call came into MPD.
The report indicates officers entered the motel room and found two males present in the main room and the victim lying on the floor of the bathroom. Officers checked for a pulse without success and determined the temperature of her body was warm. CPR was initiated and an ambulance was called. CPR continued as the patient was loaded in the ambulance.
The EMTs determined rigor mortis had set in and contact between the EMTs and a medical doctor allowed CPR to cease.
The report indicates the body possibly was in the water a significant time, contrary to the statement by the two males, who indicated they had last seen her one hour prior to MPD’s arrival.
Sergeant Austin Jones and Officer Dalton Raspberry arrived with Chief Ryan White to help with the investigation. The incident remains under investigation.