On the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, at approximately 7:15 a.m., deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from Clay County Fire Rescue responded to a wooded area behind the Winn-Dixie located at 2720 Blanding Boulevard after a witness reported seeing what appeared to be a deceased person.
Upon arrival, deputies confirmed the presence of a body and notified the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division. The deceased was later identified as 56-year-old John Dowden, a homeless individual known to frequent the area.
The District 4 Medical Examiner’s Office is working alongside investigators to determine the cause of death. At this time, authorities report no immediate signs of foul play.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to John Dowden or this incident is urged to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 264-6512 and reference case number 2025-014299. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the SaferWatch App or by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).
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