Body found last month in Independence identified

Authorities have identified a body found last month in Independence as Ward Appleby, 46.

The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office, which established his identity, still is working to determine a cause of death, an Independence police spokesman said Wednesday.

Authorities recovered the body Feb. 22 near U.S. 24 and North Grand Avenue. Investigators found nothing suspicious at or near the body, the spokesman said.

Brian Burnes, bburnes@kcstar.com

This story was originally published March 4, 2015 at 5:09 PM with the headline "Body found last month in Independence identified."