The UW-Madison Police Department announced Monday they believe the body found near Picnic Point over the weekend died as the result of a self-inflicted injury.
Jeff Kjos said he found the body around 1 p.m. near the Eagle Heights Community Gardens, close to Picnic Point, where he was working Friday.
He said he originally thought the body was a deer carcass, but noticed it was a human body when he moved closer. He said he saw a sawed-off shotgun near the body and the victim appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The UWPD statement said officials from the Dane County Coroner's Office believe the incident happened sometime over the past summer or fall.
UWPD Sgt. Tamara Kowalski said she does not believe anyone else was involved and students should still feel safe around the Picnic Point area.
""This was self-inflicted, so there is absolutely nothing for students to be worried about,"" she said.
According to the release, the body was of a male over the age of 40 of an unknown race. He was wearing glasses, a gray jacket, tan cargo shorts and black Teva sandals.
UWPD is still investigating the case and urges anyone with further information to contact them at 608-264-COPS.
