Body found near a Covington park brings new attention to risks faced by homeless people

COVINGTON, Ky. - An anonymous call from a nearby pay phone informed police that a dead person was found in the woods behind a building in Covington.

The remains of a 34-year-old white male were found less than 100 yards from the clock tower in Goebel Park. The man’s body was found on a footpath near a known homeless camp, according to police.

While the Kenton County Coroner hasn’t determined a cause of death, Josh Spring of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless says dying from the cold is an all too common happening for homeless people. The risk has been particularly high recently with the increase in days where the temperature has dropped below freezing.

"We are now seeing nearly every shelter full," Spring said.

You might think young people would be relatively resilient but Josh Spring says homelessness can literally strip years from a person's life. A homeless person in their mid-30s will likely have the body of someone considerably older and be more vulnerable to the elements.

"Everything sort of gets multiplied and that adds up, and it does in fact deplete years,” Spring said. “People die younger that have spent time outside."

Spring says there have been three homeless deaths in the area since Jan. 1. He expects to see about 30 deaths in Greater Cincinnati every year.

Police are checking with area shelters to see if they can locate the victim’s next of kin. In the meantime, they are hoping to hear back from the anonymous caller who may be able to shed more light on the situation.

If you have information on the identity of this man, contact the Covington Police Department at (859) 292-2222.

9 On Your Side and WCPO.com will update the situation as information becomes available.