Kentucky State Police Post 1 Searching for Missing North Carolina Man

LAKE CITY, Ky. (February 18, 2026) – On Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at approximately 3:17 PM CT, Kentucky State Police Post 1 received multiple reports of a male individual on the Cumberland River bridge on US Highway 62 connecting Lyon and Livingston County. Shortly after receiving intial reports, it was reported the man had jumped. First responders and emergency personnel responded to the bridge and operations started. Surrounding rescue agencies utilized boats and drone technology to search for the male.

An abandoned vehicle was located on US HWY 62 near the Kentucky Dam in Marshall County. It is registered to a Dakota Perry, age 22, out of Charlotte, North Carolina. After conversations with witnesses, it is believed Perry is the male who jumped from the bridge. At this time, search and rescue operations are continuing in and near the river.

US Highway 62 at the Cumberland River bridge was closed for a short time due to search and rescue operations. 

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Dakota Perry, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721.

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