Knoxville TN, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney of the Knoxville Police Department died at the age of 57 due to a drowning incident while on a hunting trip in North Dakota. His death has deeply affected both the KPD and the Knoxville community. KPD Chief Paul Noel described his passing as an incomprehensible loss, highlighting Gwathney’s commitment to serving the community. Gwathney was recognized as Officer of the Year and was instrumental in building strong community relationships. Memorial service details will be announced soon.
Knoxville, Tennessee – Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney of the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) passed away at the age of 57 due to a drowning incident while on a hunting trip near Woodworth, North Dakota, on the morning of October 26. The KPD announced his tragic death on Sunday, marking a significant loss for both the agency and the Knoxville community.
KPD Chief of Police Paul Noel described Gwathney’s passing as “an incomprehensible loss,” emphasizing the impact of his absence on the department and the community he served. Lieutenant Gwathney was widely regarded as a beloved figure within the KPD and the broader Knoxville area.
Throughout his career, Gwathney garnered notable recognition, including being awarded KPD’s Officer of the Year in 2013, with a nomination for the same honor in 2019. A native of Sevier County, he began his law enforcement career with KPD in 1997 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a sergeant in 2003 and achieving the rank of lieutenant in 2010.
A significant portion of Gwathney’s career was spent patrolling East Knoxville, where he became recognized as a strong, community-oriented officer. Early in his career, he served as the first school resource officer at Austin-East High School, where he was instrumental in building lasting relationships with students and local residents.
The Knoxville community and local authorities have expressed their deep sorrow over Gwathney’s death, with Mayor Indya Kincannon acknowledging his commitment to serving the public and advocating for community trust. Both the Mayor and Chief Noel highlighted Gwathney’s dedication to accessibility and community service, which endeared him to the citizens he served.
While funeral services for Lieutenant Gwathney have not yet been finalized, the Knoxville Police Department will announce the arrangements in the coming days. The entire community continues to grieve the loss of an officer who profoundly impacted those around him.
Career Highlights
- Joined KPD: 1997
- Promoted to Sergeant: 2003
- Promoted to Lieutenant: 2010
- Officer of the Year: 2013
- Nominated for Officer of the Year: 2019
- First School Resource Officer at Austin-East High School
- Served in the United States Army and National Guard
Community Impact
Gwathney’s legacy is characterized by his unwavering dedication to community relations, where he was known for his efforts to build trust and rapport among local residents. His presence in East Knoxville left an indelible mark, with many community members expressing their admiration and respect for his work as both a law enforcement officer and a community figure.
Next Steps
The Knoxville Police Department is planning to honor Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney’s service and commitment to the community through an official memorial service. Further details about the funeral arrangements will be provided as they become available.
FAQ
What caused the death of Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney?
Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney passed away due to drowning on the morning of October 26 while on a hunting trip near Woodworth, North Dakota.
When did KPD announce Lieutenant Gwathney’s death?
The Knoxville Police Department announced his passing on Sunday.
What was Lieutenant Gwathney recognized for during his career?
Lieutenant Gwathney was recognized as KPD’s Officer of the Year in 2013 and was nominated for the award again in 2019.
What kind of relationships did Gwathney build within the community?
Gwathney, as the first school resource officer at Austin-East High School, built lasting relationships with students and community members, emphasizing accessibility and commitment to service.
Key Features of Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney’s Career
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 57 |
| Date of Incident | October 26 |
| Location of Death | Woodworth, North Dakota |
| KPD Career Start | 1997 |
| Promotions | Sergeant (2003), Lieutenant (2010) |
| Awards | Officer of the Year (2013), Nomination (2019) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Mourns Officer G. Gwathney
- Google Search: Gordan Gwathney
- WATE: Incomprehensible Loss of Lt. Gwathney
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Knox News: Knox County Sheriff Cooperation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
