OTTAWA — Two walkers going along Prairie Spirit Trail early this morning found a man hanging from a tree who appeared to be unconscious in Kanza Park and called police. One of the police officers immediately cut the man down but he was dead, Capt. Adam Weingartner said. Weingartner identified the man as 57-year-old Jerry Jackson, 57, Ottawa. His wife and next of kin were notified of his death. The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation by the Ottawa Police Department to determine the cause of death, Weingartner said. The coroner has ordered an autopsy although at this stage, although Weingartner said Jackson’s death appears to be suicide. Anyone who may have information about this case is encouraged to contact detective Leah Thomas at 785-242-2561, ext. 441.
Monday, Aug. 17, 3 p.m.
