GUELPH— A 53-year-old man has died after being transported to Guelph General Hospital on Wednesday morning.

At around 6 a.m., Guelph Police cordoned off the fountain at St. George's Square and the forensic unit was called to investigate.

Officers originally said they were responding to a "medical emergency". At around 11:15 a.m. they said a man had died. Police aren't releasing the identity of the man until they notify his next of kin.

Kevin Polach, owner of Capistrano Bistro and Espresso Bar, said the police tape wasn't up when he arrived at St. George's Square Wednesday morning.

He said he saw a garbage truck in front of the fountain at just before 6 a.m., and soon after he saw firefighters arrive.

When he walked out to see what was going on, he said he saw firefighters giving CPR to a figure, lying beside the fountain. Paramedics also showed up, he said, and took over giving CPR. This went on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Red Brick Café employee, Alanna Dakin, said she arrived at work a little before 7 a.m. She said beside the fountain was a pile of clothes, including crocs, shorts and a t-shirt.

"It looked like someone took off their clothes and went into the fountain," she said, but added she didn't see anyone around except for police officers.

cseto@guelphmercury.com