The results of an autopsy are pending in the death of a Kent man found inside a storage unit in downtown Kent.
Kent Police Lt. James Prusha said police were called after the owner of a storage unit at 300 N. Water St. reported finding a man dead inside the unit he was renting.
Richard Rezek, 66, of Kent, was found Dec. 28 by the owner of the unit, John Kuhar, who also is a Kent City Council member.
Prusha said no foul play is suspected and there were no signs of a struggle or injuries to Rezek.
"Unless the coroner comes up with something we’re considering this closed," Prusha said. "It just appeared to be natural or had to do with the elements. The storage unit was not heated."
A spokesperson for the Portage County Coroner's Office said an autopsy had been ordered but the results indicating cause of death are pending.
Police notified Rezek's brother, Paul Rezek, of Middle Bass, OH.
Prusha said it appeared that Richard Rezek may have been living in the storage unit.
"It looked like ... he had been staying there," Prusha said. "And I don’t know that anybody knew that he was doing that."
When is the city of Kent and Portage County going to realize we have homeless people among us? You can't pretend it doesn't exist. These are our brothers and sisters. Now Mr. Rezek has a home. I mentioned this once before but I guess no one cares. Why couldn't the Allerton apts become rooms for the homeless in our community. But I guess we can't let the students at KSU(and I am one) see people that have had a harder life than them. It's a big world everyone, some people don't have family. We get all kinds of fees added on our bills at KSU, why not have an optional one to build a shelter? I would rather have my arts fees go towards a compassionate fee. But I know the administrators are more concerned about money and football than this topic. But you now, we are all going to answer to God or a higher being someday. There are homeless individuals in Kent, everyone. Don't believe me, go to Wal-Mart on any night after midnight and you will see people and kids living out of their cars. Where are they supposed to go in 20 degree weather? We have 1 shelter that holds I believe about 20 people. Instead of building so many places to eat downtown, and let's be honest, I don't know many college students who can afford those prices unless Mommy and Daddy are paying their entire college experience. Can't we build a shelter? What is more important-people or making more money?
I believe you already know the answer to what is more important. At least as far as Kent State and the City representatives are concerned. Money! I find it extremely hard to believe that all who knew Mr. Rezek knew he was homeless but noone was aware he was sleeping in this storage unit? So sad! It also sickens me to think that this is where many people may end up with the economy in such a mess. With all the additional taxes and costs they want to add to people who are barely surviving I see more of these incidents happening in the future. New police station, school levy, raise water and sewer costs, library levy, mandatory health coverage purchase... where does it end? I came close to going bankrupt last year...... and I am still not too far from the edge. Every day is a challenge in coming up with ways to make my money stretch further.
I really hope 2013 is a better year for you. Have faith.