MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is currently investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered in a wooded area behind a Winn-Dixie on Saturday morning.
Deputies responded around 7:15 a.m. to Blanding Boulevard after someone reported seeing what appeared to be a dead body, according to the CCSO.
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Officials said upon arrival, deputies confirmed the presence of a deceased individual, who was later identified as John Dowden, a person without a home, known to frequent the area.
The Clay County Investigations Unit, in coordination with the District 4 Medical Examiner’s Office, is actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding Dowden’s death.
At this time, deputies said there do not appear to be any obvious and outward signs of foul play.
Anyone with information related to John Dowden or this incident is encouraged to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904 264-6512 and reference case number 2025-014299.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the SaferWatch App or by contacting First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).
