Body found near Darden Bridge by St. Joseph River

UPDATE: Based on preliminary findings, St. Joseph County police believe the woman found on the trail died by suicide.

ORIGINAL STORY:

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - An investigation is underway after a body was found right by the Darden Bridge near the St. Joseph River this morning-- in an area known for activities like kayaking, walking, and fishing.

Now, the popular trail along Darden Road is a police investigation scene. 

Around 7:00 a.m., a neighbor, out for their morning walk near the bridge, discovered a person lying on the walking trail who was confirmed dead shortly after.

St. Joseph County resident, Ralph Salata, who frequents the area recreationally, is used to finding things in water, but is stunned by today's incident.

"We kayak here all the time and they’re constantly finding bodies and cars and things like that in the river, so it’s not too much of a surprise, but a body underneath the bridge, that’s kind of a shocker to me," he said. 

Saint Joseph County Police say officers will likely remain on scene for the rest of the day to try to figure out what exactly happened and how the person died.

At this point, they're working to find out if any foul play is suspected.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

If you have any information that could help investigators contact County Police Detective Santa at 574-235-9569.