By Nina Harrelson nharrelson@nebraska.tv and Steve White swhite@nebraska.tv
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The body of an elderly man found Monday on Capital Avenue near Grand Island has been identified as a man reported missing the previous day.
Jose Felix Rodriguez, 87, had been reported as a missing person Sunday. Sheriff Jerry Watson said the deceased was found lying in the ditch along the rural county road Monday afternoon.
At this time there do not appear to be any signs of foul play. Mr. Rodriguez appears to have died from exposure, according to the sheriff.
The sheriff said Rodriguez lived at 605 S. Elm Street in Grand Island. Friends and family members said he often liked to walk around the Pier Park area, collecting cans.
They passed out flyers on Monday. A man who identified himself as a friend from church said Rodriguez suffered from health issues, and they were worried he may have gotten lost while out for his daily walk.
A press release from the sheriff said Rodriguez was last seen at his home at approximately 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning. "According to family members it was not unusual for Mr. Rodriguez to become confused. Family members had been looking for him with no success," the press release stated.
Several sheriff's deputies were on scene, but left by 3:30 p.m. Two deputies from the Hall County Attorney's office were also there, acting as coroners. NTV also observed a hearse leaving the area.
Although it is only a few miles west of Grand Island, it is near where the road reaches a dead end. There are corn fields on either side of the muddy gravel road, and icy water fills the ditch.
Deputies stood watch at the crossroads to the east and west. The investigation was centered between 60th and Monitor along Capital Avenue, just north of the former Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant.
There are just a few farm houses along that stretch of road, but none in the immediate area where the body was found.
Sheriff Watson said the investigation is ongoing at this time.
