Tragic Discovery in Canton: Body Found in Makeshift Shelter

On July 14, 2025, an unsettling discovery shocked the Canton community when the body of a Black male was found inside a makeshift living space within a storage container behind a business on Tuscarawas Street W. The Canton Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, which raises pressing questions about homelessness, safety, and community support.

The discovery came to light when a concerned employee from Saveway Market contacted authorities. Several customers had reported seeing someone possibly inside a storage container located in the area. Unable to personally investigate due to his role at the store, the employee decided to reach out to the police for a welfare check. Officers promptly responded to the scene, leading them to a box truck container situated at the rear of the business premises.

Upon arriving, police observed that the container’s rolling door had been altered with a rectangular cutout that was secured with plywood, acting as a makeshift door. After opening it, the officers were met with a harrowing sight—a man lying face down on the floor, unresponsive and displaying signs of rigor mortis. Despite the immediate medical response, the man was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting further investigation.

Inside the container, investigators noted that it appeared to be set up as a makeshift living space. The floor was unexpectedly carpeted, and a bed was positioned at one end of the container. A shelf, cooler, fan, and a lamp plugged into an extension cord added further context to the environment. Although the lamp was illuminated, the fan was turned off, suggesting that someone had been using the space for shelter, possibly under dire circumstances.

Details about the man’s condition were concerning; he was found nude except for a pair of white socks, with a pair of pants and a belt located beneath his torso. The situation illustrates a stark reality for many individuals facing homelessness, highlighting the urgent need for supportive services and safe housing options within the community.

Witnesses in the area indicated that this storage container had become a known refuge for multiple individuals seeking shelter. A bicyclist informed police that it had frequently been used by homeless persons, suggesting a larger issue regarding access to safe and secure places to live. This tragic incident reiterates the importance of community engagement and the need to address homelessness proactively, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the support and resources they require.

The Canton Police Department has yet to identify the man or determine the cause of death as investigations are ongoing. Detectives and crime scene investigators are meticulously processing the scene, looking for evidence that could shed light on the circumstances that led to this unfortunate outcome. Authorities have clarified that this incident is not connected to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of local resident Ryan Godbey, dispelling any potential concerns about a broader pattern or threat to the community.

The response from the Canton community has been one of sorrow and concern, with many residents expressing shock at the tragic discovery. Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of support for those experiencing homelessness, with calls for increased awareness and actionable steps to provide help to those in need.

The investigation’s developments will be closely monitored as police work to uncover the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding his death. The Canton community is left grappling with this heartbreaking event, recognizing the underlying issues of homelessness that often go unnoticed.

As the investigation continues, the city faces a critical moment to evaluate its approach to homelessness and consider viable solutions. This incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community, compassion, and support for the most vulnerable amongst us. The hope is that through awareness and action, the community can come together to address the pressing needs of its homeless population and prevent similar tragedies in the future.