What we know about Lynnden Bray, the woman found dead in Jefferson Memorial Forest

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, Louisville Courier Journal
Updated ·2 min read

Editor's note: This article discusses topics of suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can call the 24/7 U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.

A woman was found dead Friday afternoon after being reported missing in the morning, Louisville Metro Police said.

LMPD issued a Operation Return Home on Friday morning for Lynnden Bray, but cancelled it in the afternoon after she was found dead in the Jefferson Memorial Forest, Aaron Ellis, a department spokesperson said.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office said Bray died of "ligature hanging," but did not specify if it was a homicide or a suicide.

Here is what we know about Lynnden Bray's death:

Who is Lynnden Bray?

Lyndenn Bray is a 24-year-old woman who went missing on Friday after she was walking in the Jefferson Memorial Forest around 5 p.m., according to LMPD. The department said she was last seen walking her dogs in the Paul Yost Recreation Area of the park.

Bray was found dead on Friday afternoon in the park where she was last seen.

How did Lynnden Bray die?

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office said Bray died by "ligature hanging," but did not specify if it was a homicide or a suicide.

A ligature is defined as a tie or bind.

Boyfriend charged with arson

Timothy Winterholler, described in his arrest citation as having been in a relationship with Bray, was arrested and charged with arson over an incident that took place the same day as her death.

Winterholler reported Bray missing Thursday, the citation says, and during the investigation he reportedly admitted to setting a fire inside a vehicle. The fire, which was "intentionally set with the intent to damage or destroy" the car, was found at the park.

Winterholler pleaded not guilty to second-degree arson at his first court hearing.

This story will be updated.

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Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What we know about Lyndenn Bray, found dead in a Louisville park