Suffolk County police investigating death of man found inside camper in Shirley
Police have not released the man's name or provided additional details about his age.
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Suffolk County police are investigating the death of a man who was found inside a camper Sunday morning at Southaven County Park Campground in Shirley.
Police said officers responded to the campground around 7:30 a.m.
“Bunch of commotion was going on. People were pounding on the camper door. Then the police and firetrucks came. They were banging on the door to I guess get the person's attention,” said Darlene Stettinger.
David Boward said people began gathering to see what was happening.
“Everybody was walking around, curious as to what was going on. Seen multiple cop cars come in and I heard from somebody he done passed away.”
The man's death came as a shock to campers, many of whom said they spend significant time at the campground.
“My husband woke me up and said something happened. I went outside and saw police and the rangers. The fire department was here, an ambulance was here,” said Caitlin Rivera-Boward. “The guy passed away and we don't know how. He was a really nice guy.”
Other campers remembered the man as friendly and willing to help others.
“He was a really nice guy. I was setting up my camper and he came over and asked me if we needed any help, food, water,” said Michael Boward.
Rivera-Boward said she and her family camp year-round, as do many others at the campground.
“It’s unfortunate, hearing this happened so close to home. We actually camp year-round and he was camping year-round. A lot of people on the campground do the same.”
Police had not released the man's name or provided additional information about his age as of Sunday afternoon.
Investigators said the death appears to be non-criminal in nature and that an autopsy will be performed.
