Scioto County deputies responded to a West Portsmouth home for a welfare check after concerns were raised about an elderly man who was believed to be alone at the residence.
According to the sheriff’s log, the man’s wife was being taken to a relative’s home for care, and deputies were asked to check on him.
Deputies knocked several times at the front door and then tried the back door, but they could not make contact.
Later that afternoon, deputies requested assistance from the Nile Township Fire Department.
Entry was made into the home, and deputies found the man deceased.
A squad was contacted, and the Scioto County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene.
The reporting party later arrived at the home, and deputies also contacted an acquaintance to notify her of the situation.
According to the sheriff’s log, the home was secured and sealed.
At the homeowner’s request, the only key was given to a nephew.
The cause of death remains under investigation by the appropriate authorities.
No criminal activity was reported in the information provided.
Welfare checks can begin as simple calls to make sure someone is safe, especially when an elderly person is alone, a caregiver is gone, or relatives cannot reach them.
Sometimes deputies knock, make contact, and everything is fine.
Other times, the call ends with a family receiving the worst possible news.