MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Authorities said they were seeking the autopsy results of a retired Rutherford County teacher whose body was found Friday.
Those with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said the body of 73-year-old Nelly Blankenship was found about a half mile from her Halls Hill Pike farm.
“It’s a death investigation at this point,” Capt. Hailey said. “We are awaiting the autopsy results.”
Officials said a neighbor had requested deputies to check on the widow after she had not been seen for several days.
When she wasn’t found inside her locked home – although a window was found open – or near her house, a helicopter pilot spotted her at the back of her property.
Deputies said the state medical examiner’s officer was expected to determine the cause of death.
Authorities said Blankenship was the mother of Rutherford County Schools’ board member Helen Blankenship, who died last year.
