MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Officials have released a timeline detailing the events leading up to the discovery of a man’s body inside the ventilation system of a building on Macomb Community College’s campus in Clinton Township.
The investigation began when a foul odor was reported in a section of the building on November 26. Following the smell, authorities found the remains of Jason Anthony Thompson, 36, in the HVAC system.
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According to the timeline provided by investigators, Thompson had informed his family that he was evading the police and was on the college’s center campus. The last contact with his family occurred on October 25 when he messaged them about hiding in the ventilation system of the performing arts center.
Thompson’s family reported him missing to Sterling Heights police on November 1, prompting them to request a check of the performing arts center’s roof on November 7. Macomb Community College police conducted the inspection from a roof above and found no signs of unauthorized entry.
It wasn’t until November 26, when college police noticed a strong odor, that they decided to take a closer look at the vent. They discovered Thompson’s remains, wedged in the meshing of the ventilation system.
Macomb Community College police Chief William Leavens explained that the area where Thompson was found was restricted and not intended for human access. He also noted that the meshing was bent, making it difficult to detect any entry points.
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Authorities believe that Thompson likely passed away shortly after becoming trapped in the ventilation system. However, with his family desperate for answers, there are questions about whether the investigation could have been sped up if the college police had thoroughly inspected the vent on November 7.
Chief Leavens responded by stating that the area was so small that they did not suspect any human could have entered it. He added that they would have needed assistance from facilities experts to determine possible entry points.
As the investigation continues, Thompson’s family is left to mourn his tragic death, hoping for answers about how he ended up in the ventilation system.
