Monday morning Ottawa police officers responded to the call of a body found by two individuals walking along the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail near Kanza Park. When officers arrived, they found a man hanging from a tree who appeared to be unconscious. One of the officers immediately cut the man down and found him to be deceased.
The victim was identified as 57-year-old Jerry Jackson of Ottawa. The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation by the Ottawa Police Department to determine the cause of death. The coroner responded to the scene to investigate and authorized removal of the body, which was taken from the scene later by First Call. As part of the investigation, which at this stage appears to be suicide, an autopsy will be completed.
Anyone who may have information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Leah Thomas at 785-242-2561 Extension 441.
