Dead man found in downtown park

The body of a man was discovered early Labor Day morning in Third Street Park.

Macon-Bibb County firefighters found Charles Gregory Willis, 53, lying on the ground near the bushes across from the Dempsey Apartments at the corner of Cherry Street and Third Street.

Bibb Deputy Coroner Lonnie Miley pronounced Willis dead at 7:20 a.m. Monday.

Miley said the man was homeless and was last seen by his friend about 10:30 p.m. Sunday after Willis had complained of chest pains.

When the friend had not seen Willis all night, he returned to Third Street and found his body.

“We think that it may be natural causes but we’re not going to make any assumptions,” Miley said. “A thorough investigation will determine what the cause of death is.”

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office also is investigating the death to rule out foul play, although Coroner Leon Jones said there was no sign of trauma.

Jones said that although Willis was known to be homeless, he had lived in Forest Park at one time.

Willis’ family was located and notified Monday, Jones said.

Anyone with information about Willis can call Miley at 478-256-6714, or Jones at 478-256-6716.

This story was originally published September 5, 2016 at 8:14 AM with the headline "Dead man found in downtown park."