WINNIPEG – The man found dead behind a Main Street building Wednesday morning was homeless and had dealt with alcoholism issues, Global News has learned.
The 55-year-old was a frequent client of an inner-city homeless shelter, according to staff. Police said the man had no fixed address. It’s still unclear if he had been injured or simply succumbed to the freezing temperatures.
His body was found downtown behind the United Way building. A passerby called police to report a man down in the lane behind 580 Main St. at about 5:30 a.m., police said. The temperature at the time was -15 C.
The man, who appeared to have been outside for a while, was taken to hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
Police originally said the man had been assaulted and had critical injuries, but a news release later said there were no obvious signs of foul play.
The man had been outside for a number of hours, and an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death, police said.
A pile of clothing and a pair of shoes were on the ground at the scene and officers searched dumpsters in the area after finding the man.
Alexander Avenue was taped off between Main and King streets during the morning rush hour.
Police said they won’t release the name of the man who died.
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