An investigation is ongoing after a sudden death just north of Chatham shut down a section of Highway 40.

The Ministry of Transportation reported a “collision” on Monday at 7:45 a.m. and that the highway had been closed between Pine Line and Eberts Line.

The Ontario Provincial Police later said officers are now investigating a sudden death after a body was discovered on the highway Monday morning.

It is unclear at this time whether or not the individual was struck by a vehicle. Their identity is being withheld until the next of kin has been notified.

Police reopened the high shortly after 2 p.m. but said the OPP West Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement Team is continuing to investigate.

Anyone who saw someone walking along Highway 40 between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.