By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A man who had declined help when contacted by local law enforcement has been found dead on state conservation land in northwest Livingston County.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office identifies the man as 45-year-old Michael Daniel Daly of Blue Springs, though a preliminary investigation indicates he was homeless.
Sheriff Steve Cox, in a news release, says his deputies along with personnel from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to a call Saturday afternoon when some Jamesport residents reported finding a body at the Wind Pump Trail in Poosey Conservation Area, located in northwest Livingston County.
Cox says dispatch records show a Livingston County sergeant encountered Daly December 18th when Daly was walking along U.S. Highway 36 and checked on his well-being. A deputy reported having a short conversation with Daly after that at a convenience store. Daley turned down assistance both times, according to Cox.
An autopsy conducted by the Livingston County deputy coroner indicates Daley most likely died from exposure to winter weather. His family has been notified.