MOREHEAD, Ky. — Authorities have identified the man found deceased along a rural roadway in northern Rowan County as William Loren Manning, 41, of Rock Fork Road in Morehead. Officials confirmed that his next of kin has been notified as investigators continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to officials, Morehead 911 Dispatch received a call around 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from a motorist who reported discovering a body along the side of Rock Fork Road near the Fleming County line. The area is located in a quiet, rural part of the county where such incidents are rare. Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Responding agencies included Rowan County EMS, the Route 377 Fire Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Department, and Kentucky State Police. Upon arrival, first responders located Manning’s body along a gravel service road just off Rock Fork Road. Rowan County Coroner John P. Northcutt was called to the scene and pronounced the 41-year-old deceased at 1:01 p.m.
Initially, authorities withheld the man’s name pending notification of next of kin. Once family members were informed, officials publicly identified the decedent as William Loren Manning. His body has since been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort, where an autopsy will be conducted to help determine the exact cause of death.
Officials have stated that the cause of death remains pending autopsy and toxicology results. At this time, investigators say no foul play is suspected. However, the case remains under active investigation as detectives work to gather all relevant information and ensure no details are overlooked.
Detective Robbie Duncan of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Department and Coroner Northcutt are leading the investigation, with assistance from Kentucky State Police Trooper Steve Mirus. Authorities have indicated that additional information may be released once medical findings are complete. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers while mourning the loss of a local resident.
