5/8/98
ATHENS, Ohio -- Preliminary autopsy findings on the body of Keith Noble by the Franklin County Coroner's office are consistent with a drowning, according to Athens Police Lt. David Williams.
Williams was in Columbus Thursday during the autopsy. The body of the 19-year-old Ohio University freshman was discovered about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday in the Hocking River about 200 yards south of the White's Mill dam.
The condition of the body was consistent with the body having been in the water since Noble's April 25 disappearance, according to the Franklin County Coroner's office.
"A visual inspection of the body by the coroner's office did not indicate physical violence prior to Noble's death," Williams said. "The final autopsy report is not expected to be available for six to eight weeks."
The final autopsy report will include information about body tissues and toxicology tests which may assist in the investigation, Williams said.
The Athens Police Department and Ohio University Police Department are continuing to interview witnesses and pursuing information regarding Noble's disappearance and death. Noble, a graduate of Worthington Kilbourne High School, was last seen at a party at 171 W. Washington St., Athens, about 1:10 a.m. Saturday, April 25.
Anyone with information regarding Noble's disappearance and death should contact the Ohio University Police Department at (740) 593-1911 or the Athens City Police Department at (740) 592-3315. The media will be informed of any change in the status of the investigation.