Mutilated body found near Rio Olympic beach volleyball site

With a dark cloud already hanging over the 2016 Summer Olympics, the last thing Rio de Janeiro organizers needed was more bad publicity. But they certainly got it Wednesday.

Parts of a mutilated body were discovered on Copacabana beach, mere yards away from the the 2016 Summer Olympics beach volleyball site, police said.

The body was initially found by a local street vendor, who reported the findings to a Rio newspaper. Police have not commented on the finding, nor have they provided further details.

Beach volleyball site preparations were halted a few weeks ago because of missing permits, but were resumed four days later, and are expected to be complete in time for the opening day of competition.

The washed up body is the latest of many concerns headed into the Rio games. Local political turmoil, a financial crisis, the Zika virus, delayed construction, water pollution and doping controversies are just some of the issues that threaten to haunt the event.

The Olympics begin Aug. 5, with beach volleyball competition set to commence on Aug. 6.