RICHLAND COUNTY — The Richland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a dead body found Sunday morning near the Richland B&O Trail south of Lexington.
The body of the white male was found 50 to 60 feet west of the bike trail, according to Tom Stortz, investigator for the Richland County Coroner’s Office.
Stortz, who said he was contacted by the RCSO at 9:55 a.m., said it appeared the man was dressed to be outdoors during the winter.
He said the body was found in an area higher than the bike trail, which may have prevented those using the trail to see it.
“He had been there awhile,” Stortz said. “He was frozen solid.”
Richland County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Joe Masi said someone with their dog on the trail found the body.
“The dog left the trail and came across the body,” Masi said.
Stortz said the man had no identification in his clothing.
Masi said authorities believe it may be the body of a 25-year-old Ashland County man whose car was found apparently abandoned Jan. 8 behind Der Dutchman Restaurant in Bellville just a few miles away.
James Beardsley left a residence in Columbus Jan. 5 to travel to his home in Polk, but never arrived, according to Columbus police. Beardsley was described as 6–foot-1 and 200 pounds with red hair and blue eyes.
His vehicle was found parked at the rear of the restaurant, located near the I-71/Ohio 97 interchange. The vehicle was found by Beardsley’s father, according to Masi.
Masi said RCSO investigators notified the Bellville Police Department and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
Stortz said the body will be taken on Tuesday to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for autopsy.
“We didn’t see any visible signs of injury or trauma, but he was fully clothed,” Stortz said.
The Richland B&O Trail spans 18 miles between North Lake Park in downtown Mansfield and the village Butler.
(This is a developing story and may be updated.)