Moonshiner 'Popcorn' Sutton (Photo) Dies, Cult Hero

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Share This \| Related Moonshiner 'Popcorn' Sutton (Photo) Dies, Cult Hero
By Marty Cox Mar 17, 2009

Nationally renowned moonshiner Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton died on Monday. The legendary runner "was an Appalachian icon whose numerous brushes with the law were set to culminate this week with him reporting to federal prison, officials said," according to a report from KNOX News. WATE cites a Cocke County Sheriff's Office spokesperson that reveals it appeared that Sutton, 61, took his own life.

Moonshiner 'Popcorn' Sutton Dies

Sutton was scheduled to begin serving an 18-month sentence in federal prison on Friday. KN writes, "Instead, Sutton's body was found Monday afternoon at his home, said Coroner Terry Jarnagin. No determination had been made as to the manner of Sutton's death and an autopsy will be performed today at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville."

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According to USA Today's On Deadline, "Sutton, 62, built a cult following after writing a biography Me and My Likker, and starring in documentaries about his distilling career." The item from the paper also notes, "The Tribune quotes Sheriff's Deputy Bryan Murr as saying Sutton was found dead by his wife in his old Ford Fairlane. Murr said he died of carbon monoxide poisoning."

More here including a photo of the folk hero. "He was a legend of Cocke County, North Carolina and East Tennessee. As far as the future goes, I don't think there will be another Popcorn," Jason Smith told WATE.

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