A 51-year-old man found dead just south of Elma on Tuesday likely died by suicide, said a representative from the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office.

The man was found dead around 11:30 a.m. by a railroad employee working in the area of North Blockhouse Road, off U.S. Highway 12, according to a news release from Chief of Special Services Paul Logan.

Deputies responding to the call checked the subject for signs of life and confirmed his death. The man resided nearby, according to the news release. Detectives investigated the man’s residence, finding no evidence that he was the victim of injuries inflicted by anyone else, according to the news release.

An autopsy was conducted in Thurston County on Thursday, according to the news release. The victim’s next of kin have been notified. The investigation is ongoing, according to the news release, and will likely be completed soon.

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or michael.lockett@thedailyworld.com.