Body found near Little Calumet River in Gary

The body of an unidentified man was found Thursday in a marshy area near the Little Calumet River in northwest Indiana, and police are asking the public for help in identifying him.

About 3:45 p.m., officers were sent to investigate a report of a body in a marsh near 35th and Chase streets in Gary, Indiana, according to Gary police Lt. Dawn Westerfield. A male body was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene by the Lake County coroner’s office.

The person, who has not been identified, was described as a 5-foot-8, 200-pound black male with short black hair, according to the coroner’s office. He had a mustache and facial hair on his chin. His age was not immediately known.

He was wearing black Five Star boots in size 11W, with long black socks; a red, men’s tall XL Eddie Bauer jacket; a gray 2XL hooded sweatshirt with a picture of a bird on the front and back, and a “Dr. Denim” logo on the left side; a black long-sleeve USA Classic sweatshirt with the words “Red Deer Trail” on the front with a picture of two bucks and a tree, and the words “Tough Wear” in green on the bottom; a black long-sleeve T-shirt, and camouflage briefs, the coroner’s office said.

Police were conducting a death investigation. The coroner’s office said he did not have any apparent injuries, but his manner of death has not yet been determined.

Anyone with information should call the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide unit at (219) 755-3855, or the Gary police crime tip-line at (866) CRIME-GP.