Body identified in Washington County

Ryan P. Scarff, 37, has been identified as the man who died in an outbuilding near his home earlier this week.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office would not say last night how Scarff died but is being assisted by the Division of Criminal Investigation in its inquiries. No additional information was released.

Even Scarff's parents, Ronald and Wendy weren't sure how or why Scarff died. Family and friends have been coming by their home in Wayland to offer support but they too are uncertain as to what happened at Scarff's residence this past Tuesday.

Deputies were called to the home at 2891 330th St. in rural Mount Pleasant, about four miles southwest of Crawfordsville, at 9:41 a.m. Tuesday.

The person who called 911 reported a death.

Scarff's uncle, Eric Slagel, 61, of Wayland, said that they were told it might have been suicide, but he didn't think his nephew showed any signs of depression.

“He'd had some problems,” Slagel said. “But everyone does. We felt what problems he had he was getting solved.”

Added Slagel: “It kind of just came then, out of nowhere.”

Slagel said Scarff was a member of the Sugar Bottom Mennonite Church in Wayland. He had two daughters, Mackenzie,17, and Quinn, 7. Both of his daughters lived with their mothers.

The results of an autopsy by the State Medical Examiner's Office are pending, the Sheriff's Office said last night.

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