KNOXVILLE–Best selling crime writer Patricia Cornwell has made an unusual contribution to the University of Tennessee-s forensic anthropology research center.
Cornwell donated the cost of a new fence for the center after damaging a portion of the existing fence during a helicopter flight over the facility.
The incident occurred last fall while Cornwell was in Knoxville researching a new book. She often seeks technical advice from Dr. William Bass, founder of the research center and professor emeritus at the university.
“We are grateful to Ms. Cornwell for her generous gift,” said Dr. Richard Jantz, director of the center. “Security at the facility is an important consideration. As in any research laboratory, there are experiments in progress that must be protected and carefully monitored.”
The center is internationally recognized for its unique research on a variety of forensic issues, including the determination of time of death.