Mystery after man found dead in bushes outside major hospital
A man’s body found in a garden bed outside Hobart’s major hospital may have been there for several days.
The body, belonging to a man in his 40s, was discovered by a passer-by near the Royal Hobart Hospital in the city’s CBD around 2am on Tuesday.
Early pathology reports suggest the body was mildly decomposed.
“People walk past there every morning and every afternoon, on their way to and from the city,” detective inspector Adrian Bodnar told reporters.
“The position the body was located in, it doesn’t surprise me that he may have been there for one or two days or longer.”
The man was last seen on October 15 and had been at the Royal Hobart Hospital on the 13th, police say.
Police are investigating the discovery of a man’s body in Hobart’s CBD in the early hours of this morning.
Police were called to the corner of Campbell and Liverpool St about 2am after a member of the public… https://t.co/iZqWFYo7rr
— Tasmania Police (@TasmaniaPolice) October 22, 2018
Investigators have ruled out foul play but the cause of death and how he ended up in the bushes is not yet known.
“It certainly is an unusual set of circumstances,” Insp Bodnar said.
The man, who was from Hobart, had a history of mental health challenges.
He was found with two backpacks and wearing a black, zip-up polar fleece top, grey trackpants and white shoes.
His body was discovered by a passer-by after they spotted a bag and started rummaging through it.
Police believe they know the dead man’s identity but he has yet to be formally identified.
An area on the corner of Liverpool and Campbell Streets remains cordoned off.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
