Family says body found in Tennessee creek was missing Trussville man

Blake Smith, 20, of Trussville

Family members of a missing Alabama man in Tennessee say the body recovered Monday is that of 20-year-old Blake Smith.

"It is with heavy hearts that we confirm that it was our beautiful, beloved Blake Smith that has passed into glory,'' according to a Tuesday post on the Facebook page dedicated to updates in his disappearance.

The Knox County Coroner's Office in Tennessee said it couldn't release any information on the case. Blount County, Tenn. sheriff's officials shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday released this update: "Smith was identified earlier today during an autopsy at the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. The preliminary cause of death was determined as hypothermia/drowning, and his death appears to be accidental. "

The family, however, said the death was not accidental and that foul play was involved.

The family provided a link to the last sermon Smith preached on Dec. 31 at Mountain View Baptist Church and said it is their greatest desire for the sermon to be listened to, and shared, around the world.

"We just want to give God the glory,'' Smith's aunt, Jill Williams, told AL.com Tuesday. "We want souls to be saved and lives to be changed. That would make Blake happier than anything."

Clarence Sexton, founder and president of Crown College where Smith was a junior, issued a video statement early Tuesday afternoon. Sexton described Smith as outstanding and exemplary in every way.

"He told his parents the greatest days of his life were here at Crown College,'' Sexton said. "It's heartbreaking to all of us so we're praying. We've been praying."

"All of this is in God's hands,'' Sexton said. "We love Blake. We love his family. He was a friend to so many."

Crown College is a bible college about 10 miles northwest of Knoxville. Friends and family became alarmed Saturday when Smith's roommate said Smith did not return home from work at the usual time. The college then contacted police and his parents, who filed a missing person's report on Sunday.

Blount County sheriff's deputies found Smith's Camry at the Ballards Way construction site. Smith's cell phone and some other personal belongings were found near his 2014 Toyota Camry, which had crashed into the deck of the home that is under construction. Family said there was a cinder block on the gas pedal and his phone and wallet in the car. His shoe, chain necklace and beanie were also found at the site.

Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong on Monday said deputies recovered the body in Georges Creek, close to the Ballards Way construction site. The body, found about a half mile from the construction site, was then taken to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center.

Blount County sheriff's officials on Monday asked that anyone with information about Smith's disappearance to call the Investigations Unit at 865-273-5001 during normal business hours. Tipsters can also call the 24-hour anonymous crime hotline at 865-273-5200, or leave a tip on the Text-a-Tip link at www.bcso.com.

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