Editorials, Opinion

Rumors abound about found body

“Empty space eventually fills up with something. A void, cultivated in the aftermath of misfortune, begins to attract the wrong kind of attention.” — Rahma Krambo

In the weeks since human remains were found at Coopers Rock, rumors regarding the person’s identity and what could have caused his/her death have abounded. It seems that every day, the stories grow more numerous and more specific — and the speakers more certain of their validity.

The community has turned to us, as their local newspaper, for answers. We are honored and humbled by that trust.

It is in the interest of maintaining that trust that we have not published any of the myriad speculations.

We understand readers’ frustration with the lack of details. Unfortunately, it is in that void that rumors have thrived.

However, we continue to do our due diligence, regularly reaching out to official sources at the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department and at the medical examiner’s office in Charleston. At this time, neither have any more information to share with us that we have not already shared with you.

As a matter of integrity, we cannot simply publish conjecture. Instead, we will continue to follow up with both departments until we have confirmation from an official source.

Our readers have trusted us to find the truth, and the moment we have the verified facts in hand, we will share them with all of you.