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Marine found dead in Petersburg hotel was missing Jacksonville man

Posted at 6:30 PM, Sep 04, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-06 00:02:42-04

PETERSBURG, Va. -- A death investigation was opened shortly after a man was found dead in a Super 8 motel on Crater Road in Petersburg.

The man was found just after midnight Thursday, Sept. 4.

The Onslow County Sheriff's Office released a statement on Friday, saying that he was reported missing on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The man was identified as 21-year-old Marine Ryan Robert Smith.

The decal on the vehicle he parked at the Super 8 motel indicated the Jacksonville connection.

Jacksonville, North Carolina seen on vehicle (PHOTO: Wayne Covil)

Jacksonville, North Carolina seen on vehicle (PHOTO: Wayne Covil)

Police were alerted after running water breached an adjacent guest’s room.

The cause of death is under investigation.