Georgia Firefighter Found Dead

Dec. 17, 2004
Police awaiting autopsy report.
Gainsville, -- Gainesville Police are investigating the death of a city firefighter whose body was found early Thursday morning at a city apartment complex.

Authorities found the body of Josh Gamble in an apartment at Caswyck Lanier on Dawsonville Highway, said Lt. Chad White. Police had received a call to the apartment at about 4:30 a.m., White added.

Hall County coroner Marion Merck confirmed Gamble's identity.

Investigators are remaining tight-lipped, offering little comment on Gamble's death.

The cause of death is still unknown, but preliminary indications do not point to homicide, said Police Chief Frank Hooper.

"We won't know until after the autopsy, though we don't suspect foul play," he said.

Merck said the county's medical examiner had not completed the autopsy Thursday night. He said he likely would have the results this morning.

Chief Dick Taylor of the Gainesville Fire Department said Gamble worked in the department, but declined to comment further.

The early morning investigation proceeded quietly, according to neighbors.

Brad Dispan, who lives in the complex, said he was not aware that anything happened.

"I had no idea," he said. "That's freaky."

Others, including property manager Leslie Novotny, said there was no word about the investigation circulating through the complex.

"The police haven't contacted us," she said. "We don't know a thing."

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