Sudbury police investigating death at Bell Park

Sudbury police say they are investigating a death at Bell Park and are asking the public to avoid the area Wednesday.

Yellow police tape cordoned off several trails in the park, restricting access until about 5 p.m.

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Sudbury police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca in an interview it was a member of the public who called 911 about the body.

Officers were dispatched to the area of the large gazebo near Main Beach at Ramsey Lake, north of the amphitheatre, shortly after 6 a.m. for ambulance assistance, police said in a news release.

"Information provided was that Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services were on scene for an individual who required medical attention," police said.

"Upon arrival, paramedics determined that the individual was deceased."

The identity of the deceased and the cause of death are currently unknown, but police said there is no concern for public safety.

"Detectives from the major crime section of our criminal investigation division are working in collaboration with the coroner’s office," police said.

"A post-mortem will be conducted through the coroner’s office to assist in determining the individual’s identity and the cause of death."

Following the autopsy on Friday, police expect to be able to release the age and gender of the deceased.

Dunn said there are currently no suspects as police are waiting to confirm the cause of death.

She would not comment on whether the death is being treated as suspicious.

The main beach, playground, outdoor exercise equipment and flower garden are open.

The boardwalk just past the Main Beach and white gazebo was blocked off to just before the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre and the stairway from the parking lot of the old hospital was also cordoned off for nearly 12 hours.

Officers were posted around the park.

"Access to Bell Park will be restricted while officers are on scene investigating," police said.

"The Grace Hartman Amphitheatre and the Splash N Go Adventure Park on Ramsey Lake are accessible from the York Street at Paris Street parking lots and from Science North. The Bell Park main beach is accessible from the Elizabeth Street parking lot."

The continued police presence is to preserve the scene, Dunn said.

Several people were out walking in the park Wednesday morning.

One senior CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca spoke to said the situation is concerning.

"Yes, it makes me concerned, particularly as a woman walking by myself in the park early in the morning," the woman said.

"I don't do it often, but occasionally I do."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 705-675-9171 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477.

With files from CTV News journalist Amanda Hicks.