Body Found in Vent at Michigan Community College Building

May 2024 · 2 minute read

The body of a Michigan man was found inside a ventilation system at a community college on Sunday.

Authorities are investigating how the 36-year-old — identified as Jason Thompson, a resident of Clinton Township — ended up in the vents at Macomb Community College in Macomb County, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News and NBC News reported.

According to NBC News, Thompson's body was discovered inside the college's Center for the Performing Arts after authorities responded to a call about a “foul odor” in the building. 

Macomb College Police Chief William Leavens said that an investigation into his death is ongoing. However, “there is no reason to suspect foul play,” he told the outlet. 

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Thompson had been missing for more than a month, according to his family who last saw him on Oct. 25. He was missing on Nov. 1, per Detroit Free Press. 

Macomb Community College spokesperson Jeanne Nicol told NBC News that Thompson was not affiliated with the school. So, how he gained access to the campus building has not been disclosed. And according to the Detroit Free Press, authorities "did not offer speculation about how the body ended up in the ventilation system or how long it had been there."

“The college community extends heartfelt condolences during this difficult time to Mr. Thompson’s family and friends,” Nicol said in a statement on behalf of the school, per NBC News.

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