Sheriff: Man's death believed to be result of suicide; autopsy planned

Editor's note: If you or someone you know is struggling or feeling emotionally stressed, call or text 988, the national crisis line. The hotline is staffed 24-hours a day, provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources.

MUNCIE, Ind. — A man whose body was found in a field in northeastern Delaware County is believed to have taken his own life, Sheriff Tony Skinner said Friday.

The body was found Thursday afternoon by a farmer in a field near Delaware County Roads 1100 North and 700 East. Investigators believe it had been at that location for an extended period.

Skinner confirmed a firearm was recovered from the scene.

Delaware County Coroner Gavin Greene said an autopsy would be conducted Friday at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. The sheriff said it was hoped the autopsy would allow for official confirmation of the man's identity.

In January, a car, believed to have been abandoned, was found not far from where the body was found Thursday.

Skinner said investigators know who that vehicle belonged to, but can't confirm a link to the deceased man until he is positively identified.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Man found dead in field believed to have taken his own life