| Body found in Loudon house fire identified LOUDON (WATE) -- Loudon County investigators and a medical examiner at UT Medical Center say they have positively identified the body found Thursday in a Loudon house fire. Authorities say Ivan Eugene Johnson, 78, died in his home on Notchin Hill Road. The house was located in a remote area of Loudon County. When firefighters arrived it had already burned to the ground. Johnson's body was found inside later in the day, but it was burned too badly for immediate identification. The cause of the fire and the exact cause of Johnson's death have not yet been determined. Dr. Murry Marks, of the University of Tennessee Medical Examiners Office, along with officers from the Loudon and Blount county sheriff's offices, Maryville Police Department, Lenoir city and Loudon County fire departments, assisted in the investigation. Loudon County investigators are asking for assistance from anyone who may have had contact with Johnson recently, especially on April 3. They believe he may have received a ride into town that morning to run some errands. If you have information, contact Investigator Chris White at (865) 988 2347 or at (865) 986-9081. All calls may be kept anonymous and confidential. |
4/8/08