Dead Body Found Near Irion County High School

Irion County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating the circumstances of a dead person found in the middle of a roadway near the Irion County High School early Wednesday morning. The body was seen laying in the roadway with a white sheet draped over it near the intersection at Fleming and 4th St. inside the city limits of Mertzon. The body was noticed sometime early this morning. So far, no official statements from authorities have been given to us.

This is a breaking story and we will update it when more information is available.

Update 10 a.m.

The Texas Rangers have arrived to assist in the investigation. Witnesses near the scene said that the body was discovered at approximately 7 a.m.

Update 10:05 a.m.

More witnesses are filtering past the scene. One told our reporter that the dead person was her husband; another said it was a woman. Small town talk. Updated pic:

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Update 1:52 p.m.

The Texas DPS released a statement that reads:

"On November 11, 2015, at approximately 5:04 a.m., an unidentified male was found deceased in the roadway near the Mertzon High School. Texas Rangers are leading the investigation with the assistance of the Irion County Sheriff’s Department. This incident is under investigation and no additional information is available at this time."

Update 2:58 p.m.

Sheriff of Irion County W.A. Estes verified that a little after 5 a.m. this morning, a white male was found deceased in the roadway. An investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Texas Rangers and Irion County Sheriff’s Department. Notification of next of kin has not been made.

“That’s about all we have at this moment,” Estes said.

The Sheriff added that the deceased was in his late 40s. His death is deemed undetermined at this time.

“He had some head trauma, but that’s as much as I can [tell],” Estes stated. He added that no witnesses have come forward, at least that he knows of.

During the investigation, students in the nearby school remained in class. Sheriff Estes said faculty sent out a broadcast message to all the parents, and teachers were asked to keep kids inside their rooms.