No word yet on autopsy status, identity of body found last Saturday

By Stephen Floyd, Ashland.news

Authorities have yet to release information related to a body discovered Aug. 27 in Calle Guanajuato Park in Ashland, including the identity of the deceased and a possible cause of death.

Detective Chris Adams, with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, said Friday there was no new information to release, including whether or not an autopsy had been completed, and he could not indicate when such information would be available.

Adams is among detectives who assist Medical Examiner Dr. James Olson, whose office is responsible for confirming decedent identity and cause of death, then releasing such information publicly.

Police said the body was found at the park around 9:15 a.m. Aug. 27 near the corner of Granite Street and High Street. An initial investigation determined the male subject likely died several days prior, and police said they do not suspect any foul play.

An initial news release said the subject was believed to be homeless, and Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara confirmed Thursday this is because the deceased appears to have been an unhoused individual police had made contact with in the past. However, O’Meara said this was speculation, as Olson would ultimately confirm the identity of the subject and release that information to the public.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Lindsey Rochon-Evertt at the Ashland Police Department by calling 541-482-5211, or reach out anonymously by calling 541-552-2333 or emailing [email protected].

Email Ashland.news reporter Stephen Floyd at [email protected].