Full Notification

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
JACKSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 17, 2014
BY: Chief Gill Kendrick

Point of Contact: Capt. Tyreece Miller 731-425-8676 [email protected]

Police Investigate Drowning at YMCA

Jackson police and the Madison County Medical Examiner's Office investigated a Wednesday drowning and found no foul play in the death of a Madison County man.

At 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, paramedics were called to the YMCA at 1515 Campbell Street in response to a drowning. Wayne Dillard, 49, was transported by ambulance from the YMCA to the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The assistant county medical examiner contacted police due to the suspicious circumstances.

Investigators determined that Dillard had gone to the YMCA alone and asked to use the restroom. Once he was allowed inside, Dillard went to the swimming pool area. Dillard asked the on-duty lifeguard about the water's temperature. The lifeguard then went to the other side of the pool to assist other people. The lifeguard then saw Dillard remove his clothes and enter the water only wearing his underwear.

When the lifeguard went to tell Dillard that he could not swim in his underwear, Dillard was motionless on the bottom of the pool. The lifeguard then pulled Dillard out of the water, and Dillard was unresponsive.

Investigators and the county medical examiner's office were told by witnesses who knew him that Dillard suffered from mental issues. Investigators also learned from Shelby County authorities that Dillard had a history of mental illness in Shelby County.