Deceased Individual Found in Vehicle on Rankin Avenue in Dunlap
Dunlap Police in Tennessee responded to what they initially believed was a broken-down vehicle on Rankin Avenue near Autozone. Officers discovered a deceased male inside, identified as Donovan L. Smith from South Carolina, in what is believed to be an…
Chattanooga, TN, September 23, 2026 —
DUNLAP, TN – Authorities in Dunlap, Tennessee, are investigating the discovery of a deceased male found inside a vehicle on Rankin Avenue. The incident began when the Dunlap Police Department responded to a call regarding a vehicle that appeared to be broken down near the Autozone store.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a deceased individual within the vehicle. The deceased has been identified as Donovan L. Smith, a resident of South Carolina. Preliminary findings suggest the death is consistent with an apparent suicide.
The initial response from law enforcement was to address what was reported as a disabled vehicle. The circumstances surrounding the discovery are under investigation by the Dunlap Police Department. Further details regarding the timeline of events, the exact location on Rankin Avenue, and the identity of the reporting party were not immediately available.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional information at this time. The Dunlap Police Department stated that they are treating the incident as a suspected suicide. The name of the deceased was provided as Donovan L. Smith of South Carolina.
No further information was provided regarding the circumstances that led to the vehicle being reported as broken down, nor has the exact time of the discovery been released. The investigation continues to determine the full details of the incident.
Story summarized from the original created by McKenzie Hughes on www.wdef.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
