The Athens Police Department currently is investigating the deaths of two Athens men whose bodies were found on Athens streets in the past month.
The body of Michael T. West, 44, was found Sept. 23 in front of the Court Street Diner, 18 N. Court St. The body of Brad S. White, a 43-year-old Athens man, was found Sept. 6 near the intersection of Byard and Pratt streets.
APD has opened investigations on both cases, Athens police chief Rick Mayer said.
Those two recent public deaths are very rare, Mayer said. He said he has never seen a situation like that before.
It doesn't seem too natural
but it very well may be said Lt. John Withers, who is in charge of the investigations.
APD always investigates deaths unless there is an obvious natural cause, such as long-term illness, Withers said.
The investigation was started in part because the two men were relatively young at the times of their deaths, Withers said.
Police begin by looking into the background of the deceased.
We try to trace his steps prior to his death Withers said.
Both bodies are currently at the Montgomery County Coroner's Office. A preliminary autopsy has shown no signs of foul play, Withers said.
A more detailed autopsy with a toxicology report and forensics will explain the actual causes of death, Withers said. The autopsies will be completed in six to eight weeks.
- Elyse Ball
17
Archives
Elyse Ball
