Brett Cummins, the weekday weatherman at KARK 4 in Little Rock, Arkansas, woke up in a bathroom Jacuzzi tub early Tuesday morning to discover that his friend Dexter Williams was dead.
The 33-year-old meteorologist arrived at the Maumelle home of John Barbour at 11 p.m. on Labor Day evening. With him was his 24-year-old friend Williams, who was previously unknown to the residence owner.
According to Officer Gregory Roussie, “Mr Barbour stated that they began to drink and use illegal narcotics. He was not sure of the drugs they were using but said they were snorting them.”
Several hours later the threesome got into a large bathroom Jacuzzi. Barbour eventually left the other men and fell asleep on a living room couch. He awoke at 8 a.m. and went to rouse the men who remained in the Jacuzzi overnight. It was then that he and Cummins realized that Williams was dead.
Barbour told authorities, “Dexter’s head was lying behind Brett’s left shoulder. After Brett awoke they discovered that Dexter was not conscious and his face was a different color.”
Cummins reportedly screamed, became sick on the living room carpet, and left the house after indicating he would be back.
When police arrived on the scene they observed Williams in a drained bathtub “lying on his right side in a fetal position, his face was blue and purple in color with a chain around his neck. The chain was silver in color and consistent with what is believed to be a dog collar.”
The weatherman, who holds the position of chief meteorologist at the NBC-affiliate station, did return to Barbour’s home where he gave a statement to investigators.
An autopsy and toxicology screening are underway. No charges have yet been filed.
In a brief statement, KARK 4 stated that “Brett will not be on the air as he is mourning the loss of his friend.” According to KARK news director Rob Heverling, Cummins remains employed by the station.
Comments left by viewers expressed outrage that the television station chose to withhold specific details of the incident, a story that that was fully covered by rival stations in the Little Rock area.
Update: The family of Dexter Williams has spoken out about the deceased man. They told a Little Rock reporter, “While we are disturbed by the circumstances surrounding the death of our son, we are confident the authorities will fully investigate this tragic event.”
They went on to say, “Dex had a very loving but trusting heart. Anyone who knew him would agree that he was easily influenced. We would like to thank our friends and family for their continued sympathies and support.”
Check out more photos below:
Photo: KARK 4, Dexter Williams Family