It is with deep sadness that we reflect on the passing of Cory Zukatis, a 36-year-old resident of Brandon, Mississippi, found deceased in a wooded area in Vicksburg on Monday, September 15, 2025. Authorities confirmed that his body was discovered hanging in the woodland near the Ameristar Casino vicinity. He was identified by the Warren County Coroner’s Office, and the matter is being handled as an ongoing death investigation.

A Life Marked by Hardship & Struggle
Cory, described by some local reports as being unhoused, carried with him hardships known to few. This fact only underscores the often invisible challenges faced by members of society living without stable shelter and support. While much of his private life remains out of public view, his passing shines a light on the need for compassion, understanding, and community care for all people.

A Community in Mourning
The news of Cory’s death has stirred sorrow across Vicksburg, Brandon, and surrounding communities. Many are moved not just by the tragedy itself, but by the fact that such a loss could remain largely isolated without the kind of recognition or care that many may take for granted. Neighbors, first responders, and family alike are left with many questions and much grief.

People who knew Cory speak quietly of someone whose life was often overlooked but whose humanity deserves acknowledgment. In his memory, many are calling for deeper awareness of mental health, homelessness, and how communities support those on their margins.

The Investigation and What’s Next
Authorities with the Vicksburg Police Department responded to reports around 1:30 p.m. on Monday and located Cory in a wooded area off Washington Street, near the Ameristar Casino. Police and the Warren County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity and have begun a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to his death.

May Cory rest in peace. May we, as a community, remember not just the manner of his passing but the person he was, and may that remembrance guide us toward compassion, inclusion, and care for all our neighbors.