No cause of death determined for Kennett man found dead in park

KENNETT, Mo. -- The cause surrounding the death of a 49-year-old Kennett man who was found at Jones' Park on Friday remains a mystery.

Ricky Lee Miller, a resident of the Kennett Boarding Home, was found lifeless, lying on the ground near the Jones' Park maintenance area on Friday, after being discovered by students from South Elementary School.

According to Craig Crow, of the Kennett Police Department's (KPD) Strategic Response Team, at approximately 1 p.m., the department received a call from officials at South Elementary School, saying there was a body lying on the ground at Jones' Park, near the maintenance shed.

KPD Captain Steve Williams said the children who were playing outside at the school noticed the body and informed their teachers.

At approximately 8:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Dunklin County Coroner Jack Adkins said he was pulling the information and sending the death certificate to the doctor. However, at this time he has yet to make a determination in the cause of death and does not want to speculate.

Although the cause of death is unknown, both Williams and Crow indicated no foul play is suspected.

According to Williams, the boarding home reported Miller missing shortly before his body was discovered.

Williams said it appeared as though Miller, who had left the boarding home at approximately 10 a.m., was trying to make his way back to the home.