State investigators are probing the death of Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny, who was found dead by Tullahoma police Tuesday at his home, but the local district attorney said there has been no evidence found so far of foul play.
Matheny, 53, also a former Republican state representative, was found shortly after noon Tuesday deceased in his car parked in the driveway of his home in the 1900 block of East Lincoln Street, according to an email from Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson Susan Niland.
"An autopsy will be conducted," Niland said. "The investigation remains active."
While Matheny's death is being investigated, District Attorney Craig Northcutt said in a livestreamed news conference there was no reason to believe Matheny died of physical trauma.
"The investigation will continue, but at this point, there is no evidence of trauma to the body of Judd Matheny, there is no evidence of foul play nor is there any evidence of self-inflicted injuries or suicidal intention," Northcutt said. "Obviously, we will await the results of the autopsy to have the cause of death determined. As we continue our investigation, the facts and circumstances may change, but at this point, there appears to be no traumatic cause for his death."
Matheny was elected county mayor in 2022, according to Coffee County election records.
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The Tullahoma Police Department received a call reporting a possible death at Matheny's Lincoln Street home, according to a departmental news release. Officers found Matheny dead when they arrived.
"Our hearts go out to his family, friends and constituents during this difficult time," the department said in the release. "Mayor Matheny dedicated his life to serving our community, both as a successful businessman, farmer and as a committed public servant. His leadership and dedication will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
Matheny was a member of the Tennessee House from 2003 to 2012, according to the Tennessee General Assembly's website. He was speaker pro tempore in 2011 and 2012. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Tennessee Army National Guard.
Dennis Hunt, Coffee County commissioner, said during the news conference he had been elected chair pro tem during the county legislative body's last meeting and under state law will serve as county mayor in Matheny's place. County Election Commission officials said the county mayor's seat will be on the August general election ballot, and Hunt will serve until then.
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Hunt was emotional talking about Matheny's death.
"Judd Matheny once told me Coffee County government in the absence of the mayor could run on autopilot," Hunt said, "and that will be proved in the next few weeks."
At the news conference, Coffee County Sheriff Chad Partin described Matheny as a "true friend of our county and our citizens," and a "champion of law enforcement not only in our county but our state."
Northcott warned against spreading speculation and rumors about Matheny's death and said the results of the autopsy and TBI investigation will be made public "at the appropriate time."
Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.