Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports that a man’s body was found today in a wooded area in the Town of Southeast. According to preliminary reports, the man was believed to be homeless and had apparently been living in a makeshift encampment in the woods where his body was found.

An acquaintance of the deceased found his body in the encampment this morning and called 911 shortly before 10:00 A.M.Officers of the Brewster Police Department and Sheriff’s deputies responded and met the caller, who led them to the encampment several hundred feet in from Allview Avenue, just north of the Village of Brewster.

There were no indications of foul play immediately evident, and officials suspect that exposure to the cold and elements may have factored in the man’s death. Temperatures in the area have dipped well below freezing in recent days. The acquaintance told investigators that he had last seen the man alive a few days ago.

An autopsy was ordered by Putnam County Coroner Michael Nesheiwat, M.D., to determine the cause of death. The Cargain Funeral Home removed the body to the morgue at the Putnam Hospital Center.

Investigators say the deceased is believed to be about 40 years old. His name is being withheld at this time, pending verification of his identity and notification of his next of kin.

The case remains under investigation and anyone who may have information concerning the case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (845) 225-4300.