Kyle Thornton, 56, of Austin was found dead in Lady Bird Lake near the Congress Avenue Bridge after a 911 caller reported a body in the water. Emergency responders pronounced Thornton dead at the scene. The Austin Police Department later closed its investigation and said no foul play was suspected; authorities have described the death as isolated and not classified as a homicide.

Thornton’s death occurred amid several recoveries from the same stretch of lake since 2022 that have raised public alarm and led to speculation about a so-called Rainey Street Ripper. Law enforcement has consistently held that most of those deaths were accidental, that Thornton’s case showed no evidence of criminal activity, and that no arrests were made in connection with his death. Safety improvements along the lake have been implemented and officers continue to monitor the area.

If anyone knew Thornton or has information about his activities near Lady Bird Lake, please share what you know.