Authorities in Floyd County have identified the man found dead inside a submerged vehicle earlier this week, though the exact cause of his death remains uncertain. The victim, 62-year-old Curtis Franklin, was pronounced dead at the scene after his SUV was discovered in Falling Run Creek on the morning of April 10.
The incident unfolded around 10:20 a.m. when a resident on the 1000 block of W. Main Street in New Albany contacted local police. The caller reported that a vehicle had crashed into his front steps, crossed his yard, and ended up in the creek behind his property. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they found an SUV submerged in the water with a single occupant inside.
Floyd County Deputy Coroner Charles Moon later identified the driver as Franklin, a local resident. Authorities believe Franklin may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash, but further details have yet to be confirmed. An autopsy is scheduled for April 14, and officials hope it will provide answers regarding what led to the fatal incident.
While the possibility of a medical episode is being considered, investigators are exploring all potential factors, including mechanical failure or other health-related issues. At this time, there is no indication of foul play or involvement of other vehicles. The investigation remains active, and officials are working to piece together the events leading up to the crash.
Residents in the neighborhood were shocked by the incident, which occurred in an otherwise quiet area. Many expressed sympathy for Franklin’s family, as well as concern about how the vehicle came to be so deeply submerged in the creek. There have been no reports of similar incidents in the area in recent memory.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or noticed anything unusual in the area that morning to contact the New Albany Police Department. Additional information will be released following the completion of the autopsy and the conclusion of the official inquiry. In the meantime, the community remains on alert as officials work to understand what caused this tragic event.