Crime & Safety

Man's Body Found in Woods Near Georgetown University

A man's body was found in a tent in a wooded area near the campus's Canal Road entrance.

Updated 8:30 p.m.

Police are investigating a man's body found in a tent in the woods near Georgetown University. At this time no foul play is suspected, but police have cordoned off the wooded area directly adjacent to the campus near the entrance from Canal Road.

Just after 2 p.m. Thursday, a Georgetown University facilities worker found a tent in the woods in an area that is considered off-campus, but is adjacent to the University, according to GU spokesperson Stacy Kerr. The land is owned by the National Park Service.

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That facilities worker notified GU public safety, who in turn notified NPS.

Upon arrival, authorities located an unconscious man inside that tent, according to MPD Sgt. Harry Hayes. The man has not been removed from the scene, yet. A police detective is investigating the scene to determine if the death is due to natural causes or was a homicide.

Find out what's happening in Georgetownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In a statement sent to the University community, Rocco DelMonaco,
vice president for university safety, wrote:

"There does not appear to be any connection between the individual discovered on Park Service property and Georgetown University. Georgetown is cooperating with officials to provide access to the area, which is adjacent to university property."

An MPD source on the scene told Patch that it appears the man was homeless and that no foul play is suspected. As of late Thursday evening the medical examiner was on the scene, but MPD had not received a report. Only an autopsy could determine if hypothermia was the cause.

Gunther Stern, the executive director of the , said the winter and summer months are the most dangerous for those homeless who sleep outside, rather than in a shelter. Stern said, to his knowledge, approximately 70 people sleep in and around Georgetown in woods, alleys and under bridges.

He asked people to contact GMC if they know of any homeless in the area so that they can be . The survey is a coordinated count of individuals and families in the region who are homeless so that government can determine the need in their areas. Contact roy@gmcgt.org or call at 202-338-8301

Patch will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.


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