Apparent Drowning at Briarwood Country Club Under Investigation
MERIDIAN, Miss. — Authorities have launched an investigation into the apparent drowning of a man whose body was discovered Friday morning in a lake at Briarwood Country Club, sending shockwaves through the quiet golf course community.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and local first responders were called to the scene around 11:00 a.m. after a disturbing report that a body had been spotted floating in the lake located on the club’s golf course. When emergency personnel arrived, they found the lifeless body of a man later identified as 72-year-old John Cope, a longtime resident of the Briarwood community.
According to Lauderdale County Coroner Stella McMahan, Cope was pronounced dead at the scene. The preliminary cause of death has been listed as an apparent drowning, though officials say an autopsy has been ordered to confirm the cause and to rule out any foul play.
John Cope, a retired orthopedic surgeon, was a well-known and respected figure in Meridian’s medical and social circles. Having practiced medicine for over three decades, Dr. Cope was regarded by former colleagues as a skilled, compassionate, and meticulous physician who had treated thousands of patients throughout his career. After retiring several years ago, he had moved to a home along the edge of the Briarwood golf course, where neighbors say he enjoyed a peaceful and active retirement.
“He was a man of grace and intelligence,” said former patient and friend, Linda Mattox. “Even after retirement, he was always willing to offer advice or guidance to those in pain. This news is just devastating.”
Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the case, stating that it remains an open investigation. The circumstances leading to Cope’s death are unclear. While there were no immediate signs of trauma or suspicious activity at the scene, investigators have not ruled anything out as they wait for the results of toxicology and the medical examiner’s full report.
“We are treating this incident with the seriousness it deserves,” said Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie. “Though it appears to be an accidental drowning, we will continue to investigate thoroughly until all questions are answered.”
Several members of the Briarwood Country Club reported seeing Cope walking the grounds earlier in the week, and some speculate he may have gone out for a morning stroll or was attempting to retrieve something near the water when the incident occurred. No one reported seeing or hearing anything unusual Friday morning prior to the discovery.
The country club has temporarily closed access to the golf course’s water features as a precaution while investigators conduct further assessments.
As word of the tragedy spread, tributes poured in from across the community. Former colleagues at Anderson Regional Medical Center remembered Cope as a dedicated healer and mentor. Others noted his volunteer work with local charities and his passion for classical music and gardening.
“He was more than just a doctor,” said neighbor Russell Denton. “He was a gentleman. A person who lived with integrity and quiet dignity. His presence will be deeply missed by all of us who knew him.”
A memorial is expected to be announced in the coming days by Cope’s family, who have asked for privacy as they navigate this sudden and heartbreaking loss.
Anyone who may have been in the area of Briarwood Country Club Friday morning or who might have information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office at (601) 482-9800.
As the community mourns the tragic death of John Cope, many are left reflecting on a life of service and the fragile unpredictability of life — even in the most serene of settings.
