Richland Co. investigating death of man found in a river

RICHLAND COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - The Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office are investigating the death of a man who was found face down in a river Tuesday morning.

According to a joint release, at around 11:24 a.m., a 911 call reported a person found unresponsive and face down in the river near the intersection of Gatton Rocks Road and Cutnaw Road in Jefferson Township.

Deputies responded to the scene, along with the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the Butler Police Department and the Jefferson Township Fire Department.

Officials confirmed the report of a deceased person upon arrival.

The Richland County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased man as Jeffery A. Rapp, 66, of Mansfield.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations assisted with processing the scene.

According to the release, the cause of death is currently pending an autopsy, which is scheduled for tomorrow.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Major Crimes Unit tipline at 419-774-5610.