OPD: Skeletal remains of man found in northwest Ocala


Ocala Police search the area where skeletal remains were discovered on Wednesday. [Submitted]

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Posted April 1, 2021 | By Ainslie Lee, ainslie@ocalagazette.com

Ocala Police search the area where skeletal remains were discovered on Wednesday. [Submitted]

Two people came across a grisly scene after stumbling onto skeletal remains in a wooded area northwest Ocala on Wednesday, according to a post on the Ocala Police Department Facebook page.

According to OPD, the remains were found off of Northwest Gainesville Road and were in a wooded area approximately 50 to 70 yards from the roadway.

The two residents who discovered the remains were camping in the area the night before. A pair of boots, pants with a belt and other items also were found nearby.

Investigators do not believe foul play was involved.

OPD’s major crimes detectives continue to investigate. The remains belong to a male and may have been in the area for a year. Officials are close to an identification and are awaiting confirmation from the medical examiner’s office to notify next of kin.

Officials have a preliminary identification that points to the remains belonging to a homeless man. A prescription bottle found near the remains may point to a medical condition that could have led to his death, according to OPD.

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