RICHLAND COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Richland County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) is conducting an investigation following the discovery of a deceased male near the Richland B&O Trail, south of Lexington, on Sunday morning.
According to investigators with the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the body was located approximately 50 to 60 feet west of the bike trail. The deceased man, described as white, appeared to be dressed for outdoor winter conditions. It was noted that the body was found in an elevated area, which may have made it difficult for trail users to spot.
Reports indicate that the body, which had been there for some time, was frozen solid.
The incident was first reported to the Lexington Police, who subsequently contacted the RCSO at 9:42 a.m. upon determining that the body was outside village limits. RCSO Maj. Joe Masi reported that the body was discovered by a person walking their dog on the trail. “The dog left the trail and came across the body,” Masi explained.
The deceased had no identification on him. Authorities are investigating the possibility that the body belongs to 25-year-old James Beardsley, an Ashland County man whose vehicle was found abandoned on January 8 behind Der Dutchman Restaurant in Bellville, just a few miles from the discovery site. Beardsley had left a residence in Columbus on January 5, intending to return to his home in Polk, but never arrived.
Described as standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 200 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes, Beardsley’s car was located by his father near the I-71/Ohio 97 interchange.
Masi stated that RCSO investigators have informed the Bellville Police Department and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office about the situation. The body is scheduled to be transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy on Tuesday. No visible signs of injury or trauma were observed, and the man was fully clothed at the time of discovery.
The Richland B&O Trail stretches 18 miles, connecting North Lake Park in downtown Mansfield to the village of Butler. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to identify the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding his death. Crawford County Now will continue to cover this developing story.