WILLMAR -- A 22-year-old Paynesville man was found dead late Monday morning, nearly a week after his family had last heard from him.
Clinton Joseph Ness was reported missing to the Meeker County Sheriff's Office Friday evening. Ness was found dead Monday morning in a wooded area, Meeker County Sheriff Mike Hirman said. Hirman would not elaborate on where the woods were located. The body was found after authorities went to Ness' rural home along the 39000 block of Tri County Road to continue the investigation into his disappearance.
Details about how Ness died were not known Monday afternoon, but Hirman said he didn't think any foul play was likely. However, the county coroner was called to aid investigators to determine if the death was intentional.
"We want to make sure everything is covered," Hirman said.
The Sheriff's Office issued a news release Monday morning listing Ness' description. According to the release, Ness had not been seen since Nov. 20. He was contacted by phone Nov. 21, but was not heard from again.
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The Meeker County Sheriff's Office is investigating Ness' death.
