By CHRIS HARRIS, Staff Writer
Somerset — A coroner’s report revealed the cause of death in a mysterious July discovery beneath the waters of Lake Cumberland. Unfortunately, however, not all questions could be answered.
Sampie Sparkman, 63, of Garrett, Ky., was found deceased inside a black 2000 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck in the lake at the end of Slate Branch Road in southern Pulaski County in mid-July. This brought to a close a year-old mystery, as Sparkman had gone missing in May 2008, having left his Floyd County home to visit his daughter in Somerset.
On Thursday, Pulaski County Coroner Richard New told the Commonwealth Journal that drowning has been officially ruled as Sparkman’s cause of death. The manner of his death “could not be determined,” however.
New said that it is believed that Sparkman may have driven his truck into the water, either by accident or intentionally. The available evidence, however, led investigators to determine that foul play is not a reasonable possibility.
That’s because the truck was found 125 feet away from Needlepoint Boat Dock, 15 feet deep in the water, with the doors locked, windows rolled up, ignition off, and the gear in park. New said that it would have been virtually impossible to someone to be in the vehicle drive it that far out, leave the car in that state, and then escape from it. As such, it’s clear that no one else was present at the time of the incident. New said the Kentucky State Police agreed with this determination.
Based on talks with a family member of Sparkman’s, it’s possible that he was confused and unsure of his surroundings when the tragedy occurred. Sparkman tended to use the bowling alley as a point of reference when coming to Somerset as he didn’t know his way around well. New suggested Sparkman could have turned on Ky. 914 headed the wrong way, and was confused when he drove into the water.
The case is still open, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police or Pulaski County Coroner.
