TBI identifies woman found dead inside Athens church after fire

ATHENS, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a church fire that happened earlier this month in Athens. On Wednesday, the TBI released the name of the woman found dead inside the church following the fire on August 15.

The fire happened at the Saint Mark AME Zion Church in the 700 block of N. Jackson Street in Athens on Thursday, August 15. District Attorney General Shari Tayloe requested for the TBI’s special agents who are certified in fire and explosives investigations to assist with the investigation, just after 8 p.m. on Thursday.

During the investigation of the scene, a woman’s body was found inside the building. According to the TBI, an autopsy confirmed the woman’s identity as Linda Buchanan, 69, of Athens.

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

The TBI says the investigation remains active and ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.