Birmingham man, 42, found dead on school walking track
Update: The Jefferson County Coroner Medical Examiner's Office has identified the man found dead on the walking track at Minor Community School as 42-year-old Ashley Neal Mitchell of Birmingham.
The coroner released this statement:
"The decedent was found unresponsive by school staff on a field/walking track adjacent to Minor Community Elementary School. An autopsy will be performed on 5-24-2022 to determine the cause and manner of death, but at this time there has been no evidence of trauma or foul play found associated with the death. The circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office."
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An investigation is underway after a body was found on the walking track of a Jefferson County school on Monday.
Dr. Mark Nixon, principal of Minor Community School, said a body was discovered on the school's walking track at dismissal on Monday. Nixon said some students take the route to walk home and were immediately directed to another route when a teacher escort noticed the body.
Nixon said the students were a "good distance" from the body and he isn't sure if they realized what was there.
"As principal, I felt it important to be transparent with you. My main concern is the well-being of our students," Nixon said. "If your child typically walks home from school, or if they seem upset tonight, please speak with them."
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said there wasn't any evidence at the scene to suggest foul play.
Authorities are now investigating the matter.