Authorities are currently investigating the tragic death of a professor from Middle Tennessee State University, who was discovered shot dead on a roadway in Dekalb County early Thursday morning.

The Dekalb County District Attorney’s Office reported that deputies arrived at the scene of the shooting to find 41-year-old Ashleigh E. McKinzie’s body with a loaded and cocked handgun nearby. Additionally, another firearm was located on the hood of a truck belonging to 27-year-old Todd C. Stanton, who remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Click here for more details.

District Attorney Bryant C. Dunaway confirmed that the firearm found beside McKinzie belonged to her, while the one on Stanton’s vehicle was his. He also mentioned that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist with the case.

The shooting occurred on State Route 56, close to Center Hill Lake, a well-known spot for recreational activities.

Currently, no additional details have been released, and no charges have been filed as the investigation remains active.

McKinzie served as an associate professor of sociology at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro since 2017, according to a report from the university’s student newspaper. The university expressed condolences and reminded students of the available counseling services. Faculty and staff can also access employee assistance, as noted in their official statement.