Highland Lake councilman's body found in lake

The Cullman County Dive Team has discovered a body in Highland Lake. Several law enforcement agencies responded to Lakeshore Lane in the town of Highland Lake Tuesday morning after a call was made to 911 about someone possibly being in the lake. The Cullman county dive team arrived at about 8 a.m. to search the waters. The body was found a little before 10 a.m.

Highland Lake's Chief of Police, Scott F. Kon, has confirmed that the victim was Highland Lake Council Member William "Billy" R. Cox. Kon says Cox drowned around 4:30 a.m. near his residence. Chief Kon says the Blount County Coroner John Mark Vaughn has ruled Cox's death as accidental.

Here is Kon's statement in full:

It is with great sadness that the Town of Highland Lake announces the tragic loss of a friend, a neighbor and a council member.  This morning at approximately 4:30 am Mr. William "Billy" R. Cox drowned near his residence at Highland Lake.  Mr. Cox will truly be missed.  Arrangements are not known at this time. 

Respectfully,

Scott F. Kon
Chief of Police

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