CPD investigates death near Free Bridge encampment
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - This morning, officers with the Charlottesville Police Department responded to the encampment located beneath the Free Bridge following a report of a strong odor emanating from inside a tent. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 57-year-old unhoused individual deceased inside the tent.
Investigators and forensic personnel were called to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. There are no obvious signs of foul play.
"Today's tragic discovery is a sobering reminder of the very real dangers faced by individuals living in this encampment," said Chief of Police Mike Kochis.
Over the past several weeks, CPD has been conducting regular outreach along the trail corridor and will continue those efforts for the foreseeable future. The department remains committed to connecting vulnerable community members with available resources and services.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
This content is sourced from
City of Charlottesville
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
