Body found in pond behind hotel in Pickerington

Pickerington police are investigating after a body was found in a pond behind a hotel on Monday afternoon.

Police received a call around 3:15 p.m. Monday from a person who said they could see what appeared to be a body in a pond behind the Best Western Executive Suites, located at 1899 Winderly Lane. The caller described seeing a pair of shoes and what appeared to be pants with a belt and a sweater on the body.

The Fairfield County Dive Team was called in to retrieve the body from the water.

Records released by police show a potential time of the death as being around 11:50 p.m. Sunday.

Pickerington police records indicate the body was identified and efforts were made to locate the person’s next of kin in the Columbus area. Police said Tuesday they were not yet releasing the individual’s name.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine how the person died and if there is any foul play involved. Detectives are investigating the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pickerington police at 614-5756911. bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner