The family of the the 24-year-old man who was found dead in an empty bathtub alongside KARK meteorologist Brett Cummins released a statement on Wednesday saying that he was “easily influenced.”
Dexter Williams reportedly snorted illegal narcotics with Cummins before he was found dead, with a chain dog collar around his neck, in the bathtub where he and the weathercaster had spent the night.
Police are telling Little Rock news stations that they’ve received preliminary autopsy results in the death, but so far they have declined to release those findings.
Both CBS-affiliate KTHV and Fox-affiliate KLRT reported this recent development during their evening newscasts on Wednesday, and quoted the statement released by Williams’s family:
While we are disturbed by the circumstances surrounding the death of our son, we are confident the authorities will fully investigate this tragic event.
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.”
While KLRT has not mentioned Cummins in their ongoing coverage, KTHV acknowledged his identity last night and again this morning, referring to the alleged use of illegal drugs by Cummins and Williams.
KARK news director Rob Heverling said earlier this week that the veteran meteorologist is still employed by the station.
Cummins has been questioned by police but is currently not in custody.