John Tipton, Missing Since January, Found Deceased

Posted 03-06-23.

We are deeply saddened to report that 19-year old John Tipton, missing since January 15, 2023, was found deceased this morning in Knoxville. We extend our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to John's family and friends.

John was reported missing by family members and last seen in Sevierville on Highway 66 in the area of the Knifeworks. SPD, with assistance from multiple first responder agencies, immediately began investigating his disappearance. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation produced a missing adult poster which was distributed on social media and Knoxville area media outlets. Significant attempts were made to locate John in the following weeks, to no avail.

According to reports, the Knoxville Police Department received a call from a worker on the Tennessee River referencing a possible person in the river at the Henley Street bridge. KPD quickly responded and recovered a deceased person in a red shirt and jeans near the University of Tennessee rowing boathouse. An ID was recovered on the body which belonged to John.

Authorities will examine dental records and an autopsy will be conducted for secondary confirmation. At this time, there is no evidence that the death was suspicious or that foul play was a factor.