A body found near NE Gum Swamp Road in Columbia County on Tuesday is being investigated as a potential homicide.

According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) release, the body discovered on Tuesday afternoon by a local citizen near NE Gum Swamp Road west of NE Range Road in the Osceola National Forest is possibly a light-skinned male.

CCSO deputies suspected foul play and detectives said that, due to the condition of the body, they were unable to confirm an age.

The body was sent to the medical examiner’s office in Jacksonville to find more information about the victim. Forensics personnel were processing the scene, which is expected to be released later Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CCSO detectives at (386)758-1095 or report information through Crime Stoppers of Columbia County by calling (386)754-7099 or www.columbiacrimestoppers.net.