CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – There is a heavy Wednesday morning police presence for a death investigation at the encampment underneath the Free Bridge, the Charlottesville Police Department said in a social media post around 6:45 a.m.
Officers were called to the scene around 4:55 a.m. to “an area near the Rivanna Trail for a death investigation.”
No other information is available other than the investigation is in the encampment and to expect a heavy police presence on the trail.
This is at least the second known death at the encampment, according to CPD.
Another person died there in November, Police Chief Michael Kochis told WINA Morning News on May 21.
No cause of death was announced in that case, but foul play was not suspected.
City Manager Sam Sanders indicated Tuesday morning the city is working with urgency to get both a short-term overnight shelter set up at city property at 2000 Holiday Drive, prior to embarking on renovations for a complete low-barrier, wrap around services center.
“We’re trying to get the overnight shelter open, now actually, and that’s the conversation we’ve been having with PACEM [People And Congregations Engaged in Ministry] and we’re not sure we’re going to be able to pull that off,” Sanders said. “I’m having meetings with PACEM, have met with them twice, and we have a conversation later this week trying to see if we can get that facility open.”
