James Beardsley dies after being found near Richland B&O Trail
Fatal Richland County death of James Beardsley – Obituary
James Beardsley, a 25-year-old man from Polk, tragically passed away after his body was discovered on February 2, 2025, near the Richland B&O Trail in Lexington, Ohio.
He had been missing since January 8, 2025, when he left a Columbus residence to return home but never arrived. His vehicle was found abandoned on January 11 behind Der Dutchman restaurant in Bellville.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity using dental records. His body was found by a passerby walking their dog, who left the trail and stumbled upon the frozen body.
The investigation into Beardsley’s death is ongoing, with an autopsy and toxicology report expected within the next few weeks.
