Fatal seizures are responsible for man discovered in the woods

The investigation continues after a man was found dead in a wooded area not far from his New Martinsville home.

The body of Michael Ryan, 41, was found Sunday, two days after his family reported he was missing.

While detectives said they are treating the case as a homicide, they are also looking at Ryan’s health, which included a history of seizures.

“There is a possibility that he died of a medical condition as well. Right now, we’re looking into both,” said New Martinsville Police Detective Donnie Harris.

Harris said if Ryan died of a medical condition, it is still not clear why he was found off a main road in the woods.

While Harris said the victim suffered from seizures, he said investigators also found physical injuries on his body that indicated he was in a fight.

Monday afternoon, police were still piecing together what led to Ryan’s death. Harris said police interviewed a person who spoke with Ryan on Dec. 30 and said “we’re getting closer to the end now.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police.