Autopsy Determines Cause of Death for Man Found Near YMCA Was Heart Disease

Salina Police have released autopsy results for a man found deceased in a wooded area near the YMCA at Kenwood Cove last month.

Officials confirmed the deceased was identified as Shane T. Duffy, a 60-year-old man with no permanent address who was experiencing homelessness in Salina.

According to investigators, the autopsy determined Duffy’s cause of death was a heart attack, medically classified as atherosclerotic heart disease. Chronic substance abuse was listed as a contributing factor. The manner of death was ruled accidental.

Police said the body was discovered at approximately 10:43 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, in a wooded area behind the YMCA at Kenwood Cove. Officials noted that determining an exact time of death was difficult due to environmental factors and the fact that the individual was living outdoors.

The autopsy was conducted by Frontier Forensics in Kansas City, Kansas, which handles autopsy services for the region.

Investigators discussed scene conditions at the location, describing a wooded area with a noticeable incline. Disturbed dirt at the scene suggested Duffy may have fallen while traveling up or down the slope and possibly came to rest near the riverbank. No evidence of foul play was reported.

The investigation is considered complete following the autopsy findings.