Ricky Parks, a 59-year-old African American man from Austin, Texas, was found dead in Lady Bird Lake on July 14, 2022. Emergency responders recovered his body from the water; initial assessments suggested the body may have been in the lake for several days. The Travis County Medical Examiner reported no signs of trauma or suspicious circumstances.

The Austin Police Department’s homicide division responded and later identified the deceased as Ricky Parks following an open records request in August 2023. Authorities determined no foul play was involved, closed the investigation, and did not identify any suspects or make arrests.

Parks was the first of multiple people found dead in or near the lake beginning in mid-2022, a series that prompted public concern. Police have stated each death was investigated separately and found no connection. If anyone knew Parks or has information about his last days, please share what you can with investigators.