Police: Man Found Dead at Area Rest Stop Died of Natural Causes

Update: May 10; 2:15 p.m.

Virginia State Police (VSP) have identified the body found inside a vehicle at an I-66 rest stop near Manassas Wednesday as a 51-year-old man of Haymarket. An autopsy has determined the man died of natural causes, according to police.

 A Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) employee notified state police of the body found around 2:11 p.m. Wednesday. State police immediately responded  to the scene to investigate, resulting in the rest stop (at mile marker 48) on westbound I-66 just prior to Manassas being shut down temporarily. Heavier-than-normal traffic was also reported on the interstate in the area during the investigation.

Update: May 9; 10:20 p.m.

Virginia State Police said the body of an adult male was discovered inside a parked vehicle with out-of-state tags at a Manassas-area rest stop Wednesday shortly after 2 p.m.

The body was transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Manassas for identification and examination. The cause of death is still under investigation. Police seized the out-of-state vehicle,  but at this time foul play does not appear to be a factor, according to police.

Original Story: May 9; 3:45 p.m.

Virginia State Police have closed the rest stop/welcome center on westbound I-66 just before Manassas (mile marker 48) after a deceased subject was found on the grounds.

According to Public Relations Director for VSP Corinne N. Geller, authorities arrived to the Manassas-area rest stop shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday to investigate. 

No other details were provided. Check back or visit Manassas Patch on Facebook for further details as they become available.