Body ID'd as homeless man; investigation continuing
CHAMPAIGN – Authorities are continuing an investigation of the death of a man who was found outdoors at a building on Clark Street in Champaign.
Deputy Coroner Bill Fabian identified the man as Eugene Hart, 56, a homeless man who stayed in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Champaign police and fire were called to 205 E. Clark St. about 2 p.m. Thursday when Hart's body was found under a staircase at the rear of the three-story building.
Champaign police Sgt. John Schweighart said nothing suspicious was found at the scene.
Fabian said the death is believed to have been due to exposure.
"The way he was found, the position and his condition, we think it was a combination of exposure and health conditions," Fabian said.
Fabian said Friday afternoon that an autopsy done Friday morning in Bloomington found the cause of death was consistent with cold weather exposure. Toxicology test results are pending.
An inquest may be held later, Fabian said.
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