BREAKING NEWS: Body Found in Cornfield East of Ortonville, Investigation Underway

Updated 10:40 AM -- A deceased individual was discovered in a cornfield just east of Ortonville along Highway 12 on Monday evening, Oct. 19.

Shane Maas of Ortonville discovered the body while combining corn in the field. According to Maas, the individual appeared to have been deceased for some time. Maas said he was unable to determine whether the body was male or female and contacted authorities following the discovery.

According to the Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were notified of the discovery at approximately 8 p.m. Deputies responded to the scene and requested assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).

BCA was on the scene yesterday morning along with Big Stone County Sheriff's Department, investigating. This photo was taken at approximately 9:15 am on Tuesday, October 20. Photo by Ortonville Independent

The body was transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the individual’s identity and cause of death.

The Sheriff’s Office stated that it does not believe there is any danger to the public related to the discovery.

Additional information is expected to be released following a preliminary autopsy, formal identification and notification of family members as the investigation continues.