The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has released new information surrounding the tragic house fire in Lake Tansi. On December 3 (2023), at approximately 3:15 AM, Cumberland County Fire Department units responded to a residence that was fully engulfed in flames at 1041 Flathead Road in Crossville (Tennessee). A deceased individual was discovered inside the residence and has been identified as 66-year-old homeowner, Gale Meister. The Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Ms. Meister did not perish in the fire but rather died from a gunshot wound. Investigators discovered that Frank Lackey, 57 of Nashville, had been residing with the victim. Lackey was spotted driving the victim’s vehicle in Rutherford County and was stopped by a deputy. However, before the deputy could approach the vehicle, Lackey took his own life with a gunshot to the head. This incident is being treated as a domestic homicide, arson, and suicide.
Original Press Release:
LAKE TANSI FIRE DEATH INVESTIGATION
CROSSVILLE, TN – On December 3, 2023, at approximately 3:15 AM, Cumberland County Fire Department units responded to a residence that was fully engulfed in flames at 1041 Flathead Road in Crossville, Tennessee. Tragically, a deceased individual was discovered inside the residence whose identity was not known at the time. This individual has since been positively identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office as the 66-year-old homeowner, Gale Meister.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Investigators, agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, and the District Attorney’s Office began an investigation into the cause of the house fire and the death of Ms. Meister. It was revealed by the Medical Examiner’s Office that Ms. Meister did not perish in the fire but rather died from a gunshot wound.
Shortly after the investigation began Investigators discovered that another individual had been residing with Ms. Meister and both this individual and Ms. Meister’s vehicle were missing from the scene. The individual was identified as Frank Lackey, 57 of Nashville, TN. During the investigation, investigators were able to determine the approximate location of Frank Lackey to be in Rutherford County, Tennessee. A Special Agent with the TBI observed Lackey driving Ms. Meister’s vehicle. A Rutherford County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop of Lackey; however, before the deputy could approach the vehicle Lackey took his own life with a gunshot to the head. This incident is being treated as a domestic homicide, arson, and suicide.
Sheriff Casey Cox stated, “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Ms. Meister during this difficult time. We hope that the conclusion of this investigation will bring some measure of closure to the family and friends of Ms. Meister.”
Sgt. Gary Howard
Public Information Officer