Man found dead under Richmond walkway during below-freezing weather

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A man was found dead under a Richmond walkway on Tuesday, with ongoing below-freezing conditions believed to be a factor in his tragic death.

Just after 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, officers with the Richmond Police Department were called to the Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center at 4901 Old Brook Rd. for report of a person down.

When they arrived, officers looked beneath a walkway near one of the camp's structures and found a man who was down and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are still working to identify the man.

"At this time, detectives have found no indications of foul play and believe exposure to the recent cold weather may have been a factor in his death," police said.

Richmond, alongside much of Virginia, was hit by a powerful snow and ice storm the weekend of Saturday, Jan. 24. In the days since, temperatures have largely remained at or below freezing.

“This is absolutely tragic news,” said Mayor Danny Avula in a statement issued alongside this sad announcement. “My heart is with everyone affected. If you or someone you know needs a safe, warm place, please, head to the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter or the Linwood Robinson Senior Center. Also, City libraries are operating as daytime warming centers during the day with snacks and warm beverages.

The city's Inclement Weather Shelter is located at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave. -- about 3 miles from where this man tragically died. You can find more information about its hours of operation here.

Additionally, for the duration of this severe winter weather, the Linwood Robinson Senior Center at 700 N. 26th St. is operating as an evening warming center. Starting at 5 p.m. each night, anyone in need of a warm place to stay is welcome at the center.

Finally, Richmond's public libraries are serving as warming centers during their operating hours. For more information, click here.

Resources for those experiencing homelessness in the city can be found here.

"Please don’t hesitate to call 3-1-1 for more information on sheltering," Avula said in his statement.

The news of this tragic death came just hours after Richmond officials announced the deactivation of the city's temporary emergency shelter.

8News has reached out to Avula's office for more clarity on the community center's operations around the time this man was discovered beneath the walkway. A spokesperson told us that the city is working on our request. An update will be provided when possible.

No further details on this incident are available as of the time of reporting.

If you have any information regarding this death investigation, you are asked to contact the Richmond Police Department at 804-646-6775. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers either by calling 804-780-1000 or by using the P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app.