MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A body was found near a church in the Cooper-Young area Saturday afternoon, police said, and the death could be related to cold weather.
Police said a man was found near First Congregational Church in the 1000 block of Cooper Street. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Memphis Police said the cause of death is unknown at this point but there is no sign of foul play.
However, the church and a family member said the death is likely related to exposure to the cold.
“Our hearts are heavy as we learn that a neighbor, a man named James, has died of exposure to the cold,” Rev. Cheryl Cornish of First Congregational Church said in a statement posted to the church’s Facebook page.
“James lived close to the church, and we grieve with his family and friends. This only strengthens our resolve to continue every effort to provide support for neighbors and others in need during this difficult season through our Food Justice ministry. Our prayers are with all who struggle and we continue our efforts to make our city safe for all.”
The church said family had set up a Gofundme page for the man. You can donate here.
That page identified the victim as James Frank Perry, and said he was “a cancer patient in tremendous pain.” The post said his death was possibly weather related.
Memphis Police said Monday they have responded to three deaths that are possibly weather related, including this case. However, police said, the cause of these deaths are unknown at this point.
