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Body found in tent in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Police are investigating the death of a 33-year-old man whose body was found in a tent at a homeless camp in Lansing.

The death does not appear to be suspicious. The man’s name was not immediately released.

His body was found Wednesday afternoon in the encampment known as the “Back 40” where the homeless live in improvised shelters, the Lansing State Journal reported.

City officials citing health concerns have considered clearing out the camp.

As of mid-December, about 10 people were living in the area, city officials said. But advocates for the homeless estimated the number to be about 20.

Crews were prevented Thursday from cleaning up the site, Mayor Andy Schor said in a release.

The city and various social service agencies have been working to find housing for people in the camp, he added.

The camp also presents the potential for fires and public health issues due to large amounts of trash and human waste on the site, according to the release.

“All who were living in the encampment were provided another housing option based on their individual needs,” Schor said. “Unfortunately, some opposed this effort and blocked city staff from making this area safe, putting those individuals who chose not to leave the encampment at risk in these unsafe conditions.”

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