CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A 57-year old man was found dead inside a tent at the Free Bridge encampment by officers responding to a call around 4:55 a.m. Wednesday, according to Charlottesville Police.
Officers were called for a strong odor emanating from a tent in the encampment and discovered the unhoused man dead inside.
Investigators and forensic personnel were called to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation, according to the release.
There were no obvious signs of foul play and remains were taken to the Chief Medical Examiner to determine cause and manner of death.
The identity is being withheld pending notification of next of family.
This is at least the second known death at the encampment, according to CPD.
Another person died there in November, Police Chief Michael Kochis told WINA Morning News on May 21.
No cause of death was announced in that case, but foul play was not suspected.
City Manager Sam Sanders indicated Tuesday morning the city is working with urgency to get both a short-term overnight shelter set up at city property at 2000 Holiday Drive, prior to embarking on renovations for a complete low-barrier, wrap around services center.
“We’re trying to get the overnight shelter open, now actually, and that’s the conversation we’ve been having with PACEM [People And Congregations Engaged in Ministry] and we’re not sure we’re going to be able to pull that off,” Sanders said. “I’m having meetings with PACEM, have met with them twice, and we have a conversation later this week trying to see if we can get that facility open.”
