OH Man Adam Purdy ID’d As Body Found Thursday In Van Wert

VAN WERT COUNTY, Ohio (THECOUNT) — Adam J. Purdy, of Van Wert, Ohio, was identified as the deceased individual recovered from a wooded area in Washington Township, the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday. Purdy was 48.

According to Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach, his office received a call on Thursday, March 18, 2026, at approximately 7:31 p.m. reporting a deceased individual in a wooded area of Washington Township. Deputies responded to the scene and were met by members of the Delphos Police Department and the Delphos Fire Department.

Washington Township is located in the eastern portion of Van Wert County in northwest Ohio, in the vicinity of the City of Delphos. Van Wert County’s seat, the City of Van Wert, sits approximately 35 miles southwest of Lima and about 30 miles northeast of Fort Wayne, Indiana — providing geographic context for this largely rural region of the state.

The City of Delphos, whose police and fire departments assisted at the scene, straddles the Van Wert and Allen County line and is the nearest incorporated city to Washington Township.

Sheriff Riggenbach stated that the incident remains under active investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information about Purdy’s recent activities to come forward.

Citizens with information can contact the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office by calling 419-238-3866, by submitting a tip through the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office app, or by visiting the agency’s website at vanwertcountyohio.gov and clicking the “Submit a Crime Tip” link. All tipsters may remain anonymous.

Information may also be reported to Van Wert County Crime Stoppers by phone or text at 419-238-STOP. Anonymous reporting is available through Crime Stoppers as well.

Van Wert County is a predominantly rural county in the northwestern corner of Ohio, bordered by Paulding County to the north, Allen County to the east, Mercer County to the south, and the Indiana state line to the west. The county has a population of approximately 28,000 residents.

No further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Purdy’s death have been released at this time. This story will be updated as the investigation progresses.

A Google Maps link to the approximate area of Washington Township in eastern Van Wert County, Ohio, where the body was recovered can be found here: Washington Township, Van Wert County, Ohio (approximate).

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