Police Rule Out Foul Play In Death

Police officials examine the scene on May 5. – Courtesy WTOK TV Meridian

MERIDIAN – A Water Valley man and a companion found dead on the Sowashee Creek May 5 died as a result of drinking alcohol while taking Benzodiazepine, according to a toxicology report issued by the Meridian Police Department.

Gary Brown Haire of Water Valley and Christopher K. Williams of Meridian were found dead on the south bank of Sowashee Creek two weeks ago.

It was determined from the preliminary autopsy neither of the men had died as a result of being shot, stabbed or beaten.

The report from the state medical examiner concluded that drinking alcohol with Benzodiazepine can cause the sedative characteristics of the drug to increase many times its normal effect, basically shutting down the autonomic nervous system, which controls primarily the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Meridian Police had been awaiting this toxicology report in hopes it would shed light on how the two men died.

Officials are continuing to investigate the deaths as a general inquest investigation pending processing of evidence presently at the Mississippi State Crime Lab.