LAUREL - Delaware State Police launched a death investigation this morning after a body of an adult was found deceased on the side of the roadway near Laurel.

According to state police spokeswoman Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe, the investigation began around 7:24 a.m., as troopers were dispatched to S. Shell Bridge Road in the area of Broad Creek Estates for the report of a deceased person found on the side of the road.

The body was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.  The adult victim’s identity at present is unknown, Cpl. Jaffe said.

Investigation is in the early stages. Further information will be released as it becomes available, Cpl. Jaffe said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective J. King at 302-741-2821. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.