A welfare check requested by a worried family ended in tragedy after a man was found dead inside his home, prompting an investigation by the Coroner’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched after a family member discovered the man unresponsive inside the residence and called 911.
According to the report, the man’s mother had grown concerned after being unable to reach him for several days.
She asked another son to check on him.
When he arrived, he knocked on the door but received no answer.
Unable to make contact, he located a nearby neighbor who had a key to the home.
After unlocking the back door and entering the residence, he found his brother deceased and immediately contacted emergency services.
The death occurred in the South Point area.
Investigators documented the scene while the Lawrence County Coroner’s Office responded to conduct a death investigation.
According to the report, family members told deputies the man had no known serious medical conditions other than a history of chronic alcohol abuse and did not have a primary care physician.
A written statement was obtained from the family member who made the discovery.
Hall Funeral Home was placed on standby until the coroner completed the on-scene investigation.
After examining the circumstances, the deputy coroner ordered that the body be transported for an autopsy due to the man’s age.
Once the examination of the scene was complete, the body was released to Hall Funeral Home for transport.
The official cause and manner of death will be determined following the autopsy and any additional testing.
Why an Autopsy Is Sometimes Required
When someone dies unexpectedly, especially if they are relatively young or the cause of death is not immediately apparent, the coroner may order an autopsy.
An autopsy helps determine the exact cause and manner of death, rule out foul play, and provide answers for both investigators and surviving family members. At this time, authorities have not indicated that foul play is suspected in this case.
