Gospel Singer Drowns in Washington Lake

FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- A Franklin gospel musician drowned in the cold waters of Lake Tapps, Wash., Saturday.


The News-Tribune newspaper reported the Pierce County, Wash., medical examiner identified Israel Godkin as the man who drowned in the lake Saturday afternoon.

Investigators said the water temperature in the lake was about 55 degrees and that the cold water might have caused Godkin to go under. He was not wearing a life jacket.

Godkin and his two brothers performed in the Nashville-based music group The Godkins. The group had two concerts scheduled in the Tacoma, Wash., area Sunday.

The group acknowledged the musician's death on its Facebook page Sunday, posting, "May God be magnified through his life. He will be missed greatly."

Godkin leaves behind a wife, Pele, who is expecting their first child in November.