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Coffee County Mayor Judd Matheny was found dead at his home Tuesday. The mayor’s office confirmed his passing early Tuesday afternoon. However, no cause of death has been revealed.

At the request of 14^th Judicial District Attorney General Craig Northcott, TBI special agents are working with the Tullahoma Police Department and the DA’s Office in a death investigation.

Northcott said during a press conference Tuesday that Matheny’s death was “unintentional and unexpected.”

Northcott said there was no trauma to Matheny’s body nor any indication of foul play. 

The investigation is ingoing and the cause of death could take months for the medical examiners report to be finished. 

“At this point there is no evidence of trauma to the body of Judd Matheny,” Northcott said. “There is no evidence of foul play nor is there any evidence of self-inflicted injuries or suicidal intention.”   

Northcott asked for privacy for the Matheny’s family and requested the public not to spread rumors. 

 “I think it’s important to remember that there are family and friends involved in this situation that such speculation does great harm,”    

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Public Information Officer Susan Niland said that Tullahoma Police responded to a 9-1-1 call shortly after noon, April 2. 

She said that officers  found Judd Matheny deceased in a vehicle in the driveway at the Tullahoma residence.

The TBI said an autopsy will be conducted. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Tullahoma Police Department initially responded to the call. The department has issued a statement:    

“This is an ongoing investigation at this time and has been handed over to Tennessee Bureau of Investigations. In the meantime, we extend our support to all those affected by this loss.”

The Tullahoma Police Department expresses its deepest condolences, “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and constituents during this difficult time.”

“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,” the release said. 

County Chairman Pro Tem Commissioner Denis Hunt will assume the role of mayor.

“We are waiting on the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office and the Secretary of State to weigh in on this to make sure we follow proper protocols,” Hunt said. 

Hunt said that the county government will pull together and to take the necessary steps moving forward.  

Matheny was serving his first term as Coffee County mayor after being elected in 2022. Prior to that time, Matheny, a businessman and farmer, had served Coffee and Warren County in the State House as State Representative for several terms. Matheny was 53 at the time of his passing.

The Manchester Times would like to extend Matheny’s family and friends our condolences during this tough time.