Decomposing Body Found Behind Former Gander Mountain: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Police found a decomposing body behind the former Gander Mountain building in Woodbridge on Saturday, according to a report from the Prince William County Police Department.

Authorities have not publicly identified the deceased person as they work to confirm their identity and notify their family.

The police department said there is no threat to the public. However, authorities did not say whether foul play was a factor in the person's death.

A caller found the body behind the Gander Mountain building near the Potomac Mills mall around 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, according to the police report. Officers noted that the body "was in a decomposed state."

Authorities took the corpse to the medical examiner's office to determine a cause of death and confirm the person's identity. The police department said more information may be released later.

The Gander Mountain store closed in 2017. During the pandemic, the facility reopened as a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for the Prince William Health District.

In July, the Prince William County government announced that it was opening a crisis receiving center at the building to help people suffering from mental health emergencies.

Officials said the new facility will open in 2023.