1 Person Killed In Shooting Outside Of Dolly Parton’s Stampede In Pigeon Forge
on Apr 27, 2026
One Fatality Confirmed After Shooting At Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show
A terrible tragedy unfolded outside of Dolly Parton‘s Stampede dinner show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Saturday evening (April 25).
Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which opened in 1988, serves a four-course Southern-style meal while guests enjoy a family-friendly show “with thrilling action, hilarious comedy, and spirited competition.”
There’s an additional Stampede location in Branson, Missouri. The Pigeon Forge location is only a few minutes away from the famous Dollywood theme park, water park, and resort hotels.
RELATED: DOLLY PARTON EXPLAINS WHY SHE WILL NEVER RETIRE
Knoxville-based news outlet WVLT-TV reports that police officers responded to a 911 call at the Pigeon Forge Stampede at approximately 7:35 PM on April 25. The call reported “a gunshot in the parking lot.”
Officers arrived on the scene, where they discovered two men inside a vehicle. One of the men reportedly told the officers he had a handgun, which accidentally discharged and hit the other man.
The victim was taken to the nearby LeConte Medical Center after the shooting. Sadly, WVLT-TV confirmed that the man was later pronounced dead.
Identifications Made In Shooting At Dolly Parton’s Stampede
WATE 6, another news outlet in Knoxville, reported on Monday (April 27) that Pigeon Forge Police have charged 24-year-old Evan Cogdill of Marissa, Illinois, with “criminally negligent homicide.”
The victim was identified by authorities as 22-year-old Jacob Inselmann from Steeleville, Illinois.
Pigeon Forge Police told WATE 6 that an investigation into the shooting and Inselmann’s death remains ongoing. Look below to watch a video from WATE 6 about the shooting.
Our prayers go out to Jacob Inselmann’s family and friends during this difficult time.
This is a developing story. We’ll share more information as it becomes available.
