Cincinnati's Washington Park turned into the center of a grim scene Monday evening after a man was found dead in the underground parking garage beneath the busy Over-the-Rhine greenspace, authorities said. First responders pulled the man from the garage and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet released his name.
Radio traffic around 5:40 p.m. reported "one male down" near 1230 Elm Street and described crews taking the person "down through the grates," according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Witnesses told the outlet they saw yellow crime-scene tape go up around the garage entrance as officers moved in.
Cincinnati Assistant Fire Chief Flagler said crews were called after someone spotted a body inside the garage under a grate, and that the victim was pronounced dead where he was found, the station reported. Officers were also seen talking with people in the area while investigators worked the scene, according to FOX19.
What Police Are Saying So Far
Sgt. Anthony Mitchell told reporters that "no foul play is involved" and that detectives are not treating the case as a criminal investigation, per WCPO. Mitchell did not say how the man died or who first discovered the body.
Where It Happened
Washington Park sits at 1230 Elm Street and includes an underground parking garage directly beneath the lawn and event space, according to the park's website. The popular spot regularly hosts concerts, family events and other programming that draw steady foot traffic into Over-the-Rhine. Its official site lists the address and calendar of events at Washington Park.
Scene In A Busy Downtown Block
Yellow police tape blocked off the ground-level garage entrance while officers gathered information from people nearby and emergency crews stayed on scene into the evening, according to FOX19. For much of the response, the normally lively park and its surrounding streets were forced to share space with flashing lights and investigators.
Authorities did not immediately identify the victim or release a cause of death. The case remains under review by city officials and medical personnel, WCPO reported. This story will be updated as officials provide more information.
