An investigation has been launched by Noble County Sheriff’s Department after the discovery of a man found dead in a cornfield Tuesday, June 16, near CR 1200W, south of CR 550N, northeast of Syracuse.

According to a report filed by Noble County Sheriff’s Department, police received a welfare check around 11:44 p.m. for a man, identified as Anastacio Lopez, 47, 11671 N. East Wawasee Drive, Syracuse, after his family could not contact him.

Noble County Sheriff’s Department learned Lopez was last known to be in the area of CR 1200W, south of US 6. A search was conducted with Deputy Jason Koontz locating a shoe in the roadway on CR 1200W, south of CR 550N.

Further investigation led to the discovery of  Lopez’s body laying in a cornfield, who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle. The vehicle was no longer in the area.

Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained after being struck.

An investigation is ongoing.

Those with any information are asked to call Noble County Detective Joe Hutsell at (260) 636-2182.