Man’s body found underneath I-70 bridge near Columbia

Officials will perform an autopsy Wednesday after a man found dead west of Columbia.

Crews with the Boone County Consolidated Water District #1 were working in the area on Monday when they discovered the body of 44-year-old James McAuley of University City around 2:30 p.m.

Deputies with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department responded.

McAuley was under the bridge going over Perche Creek on eastbound I-70 near the Midway exit.

Family members of McAuley said there are no ties to Columbia and the only reason they could think that he was in Columbia was related to traveling from family in Colorado.

An autopsy is set for Wednesday at 10 a.m.