Autopsy Scheduled for Lake Tyler Drowning Victim

SMITH COUNTY — An autopsy has been scheduled for an elderly man who drowned Tuesday in Lake Tyler. According to KETK, the family identified the victim as Tom Rudd, 80. Rudd’s daughter, Niki Rudd Hunt, said his body was found by his caretaker Tuesday morning, who then alerted Rudd’s neighbor. Hunt said she believes her dad was checking on the newly painted boat house when the accident happened. He wanted everything perfect for his granddaughter’s wedding events. Hunt said she was told her father had head trauma, so it’s possible he could have hit his head when the accident happened. First responders were first called to Rudd’s home around 9:00 Tuesday. Investigators said the autopsy could take at least 24 hours.