OWENTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky State Police reported that after a nearly fourteen hour search, a missing Owen County man was found dead in a creek near his home.
They said that 51-year-old Leon Townsend went missing from his home on New Columbus Road. KSP received the call on Sunday, around 12: 21 a.m. It was reported Townsend had diminished mental capabilities, so he was immediately entered as missing into NCIC. Multiple agencies joined KSP in their search for him.
He was found dead in a creek near his home and was pronounced dead around 4:14 p.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
No foul play is suspected at this time and his death is believed to be an unfortunate tragedy.
"This is never the outcome we hope to have and we are truly sad for Mr. Townsend’s family and friends," said KSP Trooper Steven Dyles. "We at KSP Post 5 Campbellsburg are grateful for the astounding number of agencies that joined us in our search efforts to find Mr. Townsend, with the list simply being too long to name. It’s truly unfortunate to have the outcome we did, but it is comforting to know that every effort was made to find Mr. Townsend safe and well. In situations like these time is truly critical, which is why I am so proud of the efforts made by all the agencies involved."
