Law enforcement officials have identified the man found dead from a gunshot wound Wednesday at a U.S. 33 rest stop.
Lance Emberling, investigator with the Union County Coroner’s Office, said Ryan Littlejohn, 31, of Hilliard, was found dead Wednesday at the westbound rest stop on U.S. 33 in Millcreek Township.
“It looks like this was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” Emberling said.
The investigator said it appears that sometime between midnight and 8 a.m., Littlejohn drove his 2007 silver Honda Accord to the rest stop, parked in a center parking spot and shot himself in the head with a shotgun.
“At this point, we don’t have any information about why he may have done this,” Emberling said.
Investigators said about 8 a.m., an individual pulled into the parking lot to use the rest stop facilities and discovered the deceased man.
Emberling said the family has been notified and the incident remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Emberling said body was transported to Montgomery County, to help make the identification. Additionally, the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office will perform an autopsy and toxicology screening as part of the investigation. Emberling said it will be difficult to have any final answers at least until those reports come back.
Officials said they do not believe there are cameras at the rest stop.
The rest stop was closed at the time, but reopened about 10 a.m.
Littlejohn’s death was the fourth suicide in Union County this year.
In 2017, an Ada woman died after she crashed her car on U.S., then got out and shot herself in the head.
Holly Zweizig, Adult Systems of Care Director for the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County, has asked that anyone “concerned for yourself or a loved one, please call the crisis hotline 1-800-731-5577 or text 4HELP to 85511.”
She said Maryhaven also offers walk-in crisis services during business hours. Maryhaven is located at 15 S. Plum St, Marysville and can be reached at (937) 644-9192).
Those wanting help may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.
Youth with an immediate need are asked to contact Nationwide Children’s Hospital Crisis Hotline at (614) 772-1800.
The Mental Health and Recovery Board also offers a series of resources as well as a free, online mental health assessment.
Suicide experts say friends and family members can also contact resources to help others. Officials said some warning signs may be helpful to determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
Signs include:
– Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
– Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun.
– Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
– Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
– Talking about being a burden to others.
– Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
– Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
– Sleeping too little or too much.
– Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
– Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
– Extreme mood swings.