Dr. Ashleigh McKinzie, 41—Respected MTSU Professor Found with Gunshot Wounds
The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) community and the region of DeKalb County, Tennessee, are united in shock and profound grief following the devastating loss of Dr. Ashleigh McKinzie, 41. Dr. McKinzie, a deeply respected associate professor of sociology and a valued member of the MTSU community since 2017, was found deceased with apparent gunshot wounds in the early hours of Thursday, December 4, 2025, near Captain’s Point Road.
The Shocking Discovery: A Life Stolen Too Soon
The circumstances surrounding Dr. McKinzie’s death are deeply unsettling and have triggered an immediate, high-priority investigation. The discovery of a beloved professor with gunshot wounds is a tragic event that shatters the sense of security for an entire academic community. Dr. McKinzie was not just an educator; she was a mentor, a guide, and an intellectual voice whose sudden, violent departure has extinguished a life full of promise and dedication. The profound questions surrounding her death leave her students, colleagues, and loved ones in a state of unimaginable heartbreak.
A Legacy of Learning: The Heart of MTSU
Dr. Ashleigh McKinzie’s eight years at MTSU were marked by her commitment to education and her genuine connection with her students. She was known for her dedication within the sociology and anthropology departments, fostering an environment of critical thinking and compassionate learning. Her absence will create an immediate and deep void in her department and in the lives of the many students she was actively mentoring. The Blue Raider community extends its deepest sympathies to all who were impacted by her warmth and expertise.
Seeking Answers and Supporting the Grieving
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is actively involved in the case, seeking answers to the circumstances that led to this tragedy. As the investigation continues, the focus of the community must be on supporting Dr. McKinzie’s family and her grieving students. The best tribute to her life is to ensure that her compassion for others and her dedication to education are remembered, even as the community grapples with the devastating reality of her sudden loss.