Man found dead at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

COLUMBIA — A man was found dead on the Sinkhole Trail at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park on Monday morning.

A park visitor found the man at the interchange of the Sinkhole Trail and East Rock Bridge Lane and then notified emergency services, according to Park Superintendent Jim Gast. Boone County Sheriff's Department, Boone County Fire District personnel and park rangers responded to the scene.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning to determine the cause and time of death, said Dori Burke, chief forensic investigator at the Boone County Medical Examiner's office.

"Everything appears natural," Burke said. "(There were) no visible injuries."

Major Tom Reddin of the Sheriff's Department said "there does not appear to be anything suspicious or violent" about the death.

The identity of the individual and further information will be released once his family has been notified.