Columbia Police say ‘suspicious’ death deemed accidental

The Latest:

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Columbia Police has given an update on last week’s suspicious death investigation at the 5100 block of Fairfield Road.

According to officers, the death has been deemed accidental by the Richland County Coroner’s Office.

And the man was identified as 72-year-old Robert Thomas.

He was found in a wooded area by lawn care workers on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Original Story (Posted: Aug. 9, 2024):

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — The Columbia Police Department is investigating what they are referring to as a ‘suspicious death’. According to CPD,  Thursday evening officers were called to the 5100 block of Fairfield Road in regards to the discovery of a dead body. Once investigators arrived on the scene they located a white male authorities say appears to be between the ages of 65 to 75 years old.

Police say the body was found behind the Food Lion Grocery Store. At this time, authorities say the cause of death is still being investigated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and toxicology reports on the unidentified victim are currently pending. While there are still more questions than answers, Columbia Police say they are investigating the death as ‘suspicious’, but add that there is no threat to the general public.

Stay with ABC Columbia News as we continue to follow the this developing story on air and online.