**Meridian Mourns Beloved Surgeon Dr. John Cope Following Tragic Drowning at Briarwood Country Club**

MERIDIAN, MS — The Meridian community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Dr. John Cope, a 72-year-old retired orthopedic surgeon whose life came to an untimely end earlier this week in an apparent drowning at Briarwood Country Club. The heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, leaving family members, longtime friends, former colleagues, and countless grateful patients grappling with the weight of his absence.

According to local authorities, Dr. Cope was discovered unresponsive in the pool area of Briarwood Country Club on the morning of June 25, 2025. Despite the swift response from first responders and club staff who attempted life-saving measures at the scene, he was later pronounced dead. While the investigation remains ongoing, preliminary findings indicate the cause of death was an accidental drowning. Officials have stated there is no indication of foul play.

Dr. John Cope was more than a skilled physician—he was a cherished pillar of the Meridian community. Born and raised in Mississippi, Dr. Cope built a remarkable legacy that spanned decades of service. After earning his medical degree and completing his residency in orthopedic surgery, he returned to his home state, where he dedicated more than 40 years of his life to helping patients regain their mobility and quality of life.

From complex joint replacements to life-altering trauma surgeries, Dr. Cope was known for his precise hands, thoughtful care, and deep compassion. His patients often remarked on his ability to listen attentively, treat holistically, and offer comfort in the face of pain and uncertainty. For many, he was not just a doctor but a trusted confidant and friend.

In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Cope served on the boards of several healthcare organizations, mentored young physicians and surgeons, and played an instrumental role in the development of orthopedic care programs across Mississippi. Even in retirement, he remained active in the medical field, volunteering his time at free clinics and speaking at medical conferences.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Cope was a man of many passions. An avid golfer and nature enthusiast, he could often be found on the course at Briarwood Country Club or enjoying the peaceful beauty of Mississippi’s outdoors. He was also deeply involved in community service, participating in outreach programs through his local church, supporting youth sports, and contributing to civic causes that enriched life in Meridian.

Those closest to him remember him for his warm smile, his ever-present humility, and his unwavering dedication to others. “Dr. Cope had a heart of gold,” said Mary Ellen Reeves, a former patient who became a family friend. “He treated my father, my husband, and my son over the years. Each time, he showed up not just with his medical expertise, but with genuine kindness. Meridian has lost one of its finest.”

Dr. Cope is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret Cope; their three children—James, Lauren, and Tyler; seven grandchildren; and a large extended family. His legacy lives on in the thousands of lives he touched, the families he supported, and the community he helped build.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Meridian on Tuesday, July 1, at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Cope family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Meridian Free Clinic or the Mississippi Medical Education Fund—two causes close to Dr. Cope’s heart.

As Meridian grieves this profound loss, the memory of Dr. John Cope endures—as a healer, a mentor, a man of integrity, and a beloved soul who gave so much to so many.