WASHINGTON - A body has been discovered on a popular trail in Rock Creek Park, and authorities are trying to identify the dead man.

U.S. Park Police Lt. Michael Libby says a jogger running along a path saw something in the water about 11 a.m. between Beach Drive and Massachusetts Avenue and called 911. Libby says it's a wooded area of the national park.

Runners and cyclists in the area had to navigate their way around the investigation into the suspicious death.

"It's really scary because we run here a lot and you hope that you're safe during the day. I never come when it's dark, but during the day, it's really freaky if you don't feel safe," said runner Lindsay Marron.

Another runner, Brenna O'Connor, said, "We were talking last night about where it's safe to run. This is my second day here and I see this and it's kind of worrisome."

Authorities have not yet determined who the victim is, but say the body is a male and he may be white. Police are looking to see if his description matches that of any missing person.

"We have just further examined the scene and gotten a better description and we're looking through those reports. Right now we're going to see if we have anything that matches the physical description," said Cmdr Rodney Parks, Metropolitan Police Department (web | news) .

Libby says Beach Drive is open to cars but the jogging path in the area remains closed as authorities investigate.

Park Police and D.C. detectives are investigating.

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