Police reveal a cause of death for Cassville, Mo., doctor; body found in Beaver Lake

CASSVILLE, Mo. (AP/KY3) — Police say a Cassville doctor reported missing for two weeks died of a gunshot wound.

Investigators say a kayaker found the body of Dr. John Forysth on May 30 in the water near the bank of Beaver Lake across from the Lost Bridge South area near Rogers, Ark. Investigators say the body will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock for an autopsy.

Dr. Forsyth, 49, was last heard from in text messages around 7 a.m. on May 21. Police said he was reported missing when he failed to show up for work later that day at Mercy Hospital in Cassville. His black Infiniti was found parked in a remote area near an aquatic park in Cassville. The car was unlocked with his wallet, two phones, and a laptop inside.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, searched about a 9-mile radius around the park using people, dogs, and drones. Police did not believe foul play was suspected.

Forsyth’s family set up a Facebook page seeking information. Richard Forsyth said the last person his brother texted with was a woman he was engaged to. Richard last saw him a few days before he went missing.

Richard Forsyth said his brother had been at the Cassville hospital for about 15 years. He described John Forsyth as a doting father, family physician, and part-time math nerd.

Mercy released this statement regarding the death of Dr. Forsyth:

“Dr. John Forsyth was a valued member of the medical staff at Mercy Hospital in Aurora and Mercy Hospital Cassville for almost 15 years and will be dearly missed. We invite everyone to join us in praying for Dr. Forsyth’s family, our co-workers, and the entire community impacted by this tragedy. We are providing emotional and spiritual support to our co-workers through our employee assistance program, pastoral care team, and other resources.”

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