Found a chest with another players items

I found out that a player had died in a location (going unnamed to keep the items from being stolen by the wrong player) and am not sure what to do. The chest is required for the structure in question, so I cannot lock it, and removing the items to clear it up is theft. Any advice? Please and thank you in advance

After looking thoroughly:
1. The player in question lucked out enough for a head drop, so there is a name attached
2. They appear to have left the server after the incident

Can you make your own chest and place the items in that and lock it? Then leave a note (sign) saying to contact you about returning the stuff.

Will try that; assuming I can find a chest lying around in my vault

Punch a tree

Too close to a spawn zone

I can grab some items if needed.

Can help if needed-- lemme know

If the 24 hour timer on a player's stuff has passed, then anyone can pick it up.
Is there a rule there about it not being theft at that point?

(no arguments about what Patches is doing, just if it is never claimed, do they get to keep it)

Update: issue has been resolved, thanks for the help guys