The body of a man found hanging from a tree this morning was a 53-year-old former inmate of the Gainesville Diversion Center who committed suicide, Hall Sheriff’s officials said.

Authorities identified him as John Carson Waldroup of Hull.

Foul play was not suspected in the death of the man, Maj. Jeff Strickland said.

The man failed to report to the diversion center on Nov. 19, Strickland said. The diversion center, located on Aviation Boulevard, is a work-release program for state prisoners.

City water department workers found the body about 10:30 this morning in a heavily wooded area while checking water and sewer lines near railroad tracks that run parallel to Georgia Avenue.

Strickland said it appeared the body had been in the woods "for some time."