Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
On Monday, September 25, 2023, an autopsy of the decedent was completed. No injuries or trauma were observed. The Medical Examiner’s office stated the cause and manner of death are pending toxicological testing.
Fingerprints led to the identification of the deceased: John Mekhi Campbell (b/m, 0/15/03).
A death notification was completed. Mr. Campbell has a recent history of mental illness and has been acting strange for the past couple of months. Family reported the decedent appeared depressed but had not made any suicidal statements.
On Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 1148 hours, Polk County Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a suspicious incident on Lake Ned behind the Madison Lake Ned Apartment Complex located at 4025 Lake Ned Village Circle, Winter Haven. Upon arrival, an unknown apparently deceased black male was observed floating near the shoreline just to the northwest of the community clubhouse and pool. Polk County Fire Rescue declared the decedent deceased at 1159 hours.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has an open death investigation. There is no indication at this point of any criminal violence related to Mr. Campbell’s death.