The body of a missing Missouri emergency room doctor was found by a kayaker in Arkansas on Tuesday, May 31, 2023. Dr. John Forsyth, 49, had been missing since May 25, when he failed to show up for work at the Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri.
Forsyth’s body was found in Beaver Lake, a large reservoir in northwestern Arkansas, about 10 miles from the Missouri state line. The kayaker who found the body called 911, and deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.
Forsyth’s body was taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy. The preliminary autopsy results showed that Forsyth died from a gunshot wound to the head. His death has been ruled a suicide.
Forsyth was a well-respected doctor who had worked at the Ozarks Medical Center for 10 years. He was also a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Missouri State Medical Association.
His death has shocked and saddened the community. In a statement, the Ozarks Medical Center said, “Dr. Forsyth was a beloved member of our team and his loss is a tremendous tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Forsyth’s death is a reminder that suicide is a serious problem that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
Background on Dr. John Forsyth
Dr. John Forsyth was born in 1974 in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine in 1998. After completing his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, he began working at the Ozarks Medical Center in 2013.
Forsyth was a highly skilled and experienced emergency room doctor. He was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to connect with patients. He was also a dedicated member of the Ozarks Medical Center community. He served on the hospital’s ethics committee and was a member of the hospital’s disaster preparedness team.
Forsyth was a loving husband and father. He was married to his wife, Sarah, for 15 years. They had two young children, a son and a daughter.
The Investigation
The investigation into Forsyth’s death is ongoing. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the exact cause of death.
The sheriff’s office has not released any information about a possible motive for Forsyth’s suicide. However, they have said that there is no evidence of foul play.
Resources for Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free and confidential service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline provides support to people in crisis and connects them with resources that can help them get the help they need.
Other resources for suicide prevention include:
* The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
* The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
* The Jed Foundation: https://www.jedfoundation.org/
* The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/