SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body in an advanced state of decomposition was discovered Wednesday afternoon in Sedgwick County Park.
At approximately 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, a park employee called 911 to report a possible deceased person in a thick grass-covered area in the northwest section of the park near 21st Street North and Ridge Road, according Deputy Branden Stitt.
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputies, along with the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, responded and found a body near a single campsite outside a tent. Due to the condition of the remains, detectives have not been able to immediately determine the decedent’s age or gender. The advanced decomposition has also prevented them from identifying any visible signs of injury.
Deputies found personal belongings near the body. The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office to positively identify the remains. Detectives are also reviewing a missing person case reported in the area, though it is too early to confirm any connection.
The Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as estimate when the death occurred.
Anyone who has recently visited Sedgwick County Park and believes they may have information that could assist detectives is encouraged to contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 316-660-5300.