By Trish Svoboda

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Rush County Sheriff’s Office together are conducting a death investigation following the discovery of a deceased man near La Crosse, Kansas, on Wednesday morning.

On Jan. 17 at approximately 11:20 a.m., the Rush County Sheriff’s Office sought assistance from KBI in the investigation. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) responded to the scene.

A citizen’s report at around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday led the Rush County Sheriff’s Office to a body in a ditch near La Crosse. Deputies confirmed the identity of the male as 18-year-old Zachary Thiel of La Crosse. A vehicle believed to be driven by Thiel was discovered stuck in the snow about half a mile east of his location.

There is no evidence of foul play, but an investigation is underway, and an autopsy has been scheduled.

The investigation remains ongoing.