Newton man dies while cutting wood
An elderly Newton man was found dead Tuesday afternoon in rural Marion County.
At about 5 p.m. Tuesday, a call was received from the county dispatcher of a man being found, slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle.
Louis Schmidt, 84, was found near 1088 Chisholm Trail where he had been cutting wood.
According to Undersheriff Randall Brazil's report, Schmidt left his Newton home at 9 a.m. Tuesday. When he had not returned as scheduled, his wife became concerned leading to Schmidt's being found in the rural area.
A preliminary investigation by the sheriff's department indicated Schmidt died of natural causes.
Hillsboro ambulance crew responded to the call. JoAnn Knak was the attending coroner, and Deputy Aaron Weddel assisted with the investigation.
