Body parts from a murder victim were found Wednesday near the spot on Copacabana beach where the beach volleyball competition will take place when Brazil’s second city hosts the 2016 Olympics in August, Jornal do Brasil reported.

Authorities have not yet determined the age or sex of the victim, the daily said on its Web site, citing Rio de Janeiro state police.

A forensics team is at the site and the investigation will be conducted by the state police homicide division.

Jornal do Brasil noted that the appearance of the body coincides with an upsurge in concern about the ability of authorities to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators attending the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

The Rio de Janeiro state government recently declared a state of financial calamity and police are threatening to walk off the job if they don’t get paid, the newspaper said. EFE

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, the Rio Olympics are facing major organizational difficulties just weeks before the inauguration.

The condition of the lakes and bays where sailing and rowing competitions will take place are “between depressing and tragic,” explained environmental consultant Mario Moscatelli on a previous EFE wire report.

The ecologist, who has spent more than 20 years fighting to improve the environment in Rio, said he was particularly concerned about the state of Lake Jacarepagua bordering the Olympic Park, and Guanabara Bay, which will host sailing competitions during the upcoming Games.

Pollution in Lake Rodrigo de Freitas, where rowing and kayaking competitions will be held, as well as in Guanabara Bay is not only an environmental problem but also has become one of the main concerns of Olympics organizers and some of the athletes.

Different studies warn about the health risks to athletes exposed to the waters, including nausea, conjunctivitis, mycosis, otitis and, above all, the possibility of contracting hepatitis A.

Rio de Janeiro, Jun 29 (EFE)