Beckham County, OK – The Beckham County Sheriff's Office investigated four unattended deaths over the course of one week, an unusually high number for a county the size of Beckham County, according to Sheriff Derek Manning.
Manning said while the number of cases was uncommon, investigators have found no evidence at this time to suggest any of the deaths were suspicious.
"It was a large number for a county our size in a week's time," Manning said.
An unattended death occurs when someone dies without medical personnel present or actively providing care. Because there is no attending physician to immediately determine the cause of death, law enforcement is required to conduct an investigation.
Manning said unattended deaths can involve a wide variety of circumstances, including natural causes, suicides, accidents, or criminal activity. Investigators must examine each scene to determine whether the death occurred naturally or if another factor contributed.
"We have to show up, perform some type of investigation to try to determine if this death was something that was going to happen anyway or if it was somehow caused either by that person or by another person," Manning said.
As part of the process, deputies examine the scene, gather available evidence, speak with family members when possible, and notify both the district attorney's office and the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
In many cases, Manning said, investigators find the deceased had significant preexisting health problems, making a natural death the most likely conclusion. After reviewing the information, the medical examiner may authorize the body to be released to a funeral home without visiting the scene.
However, one of last week's cases prompted the medical examiner to travel to Beckham County for a closer examination.
"The medical examiner said, 'I've got a couple of questions based on what you've told me, so we're going to come down and take a look at that with you,'" Manning said.
Investigators left the scene undisturbed until the medical examiner arrived to assist in determining whether the death resulted from natural causes or another factor. Manning said an autopsy is expected to be performed in that case to rule out any other possibilities.
The recent stretch of hot weather has also raised questions about whether extreme temperatures contributed to any of the deaths.
Manning said investigators have not found evidence linking the heat to the cases so far.
"Not that we know right away," he said.
One of the deaths occurred outdoors and involved a woman in her 80s who had a history of medical problems. Manning said investigators are still reviewing the circumstances because the location of the death requires additional examination, but nothing has raised concerns of foul play.
The remaining deaths appeared to be the result of natural causes, according to Manning.
Although four unattended deaths in one week is unusual for Beckham County, Manning emphasized that every unattended death receives a thorough investigation before authorities determine the cause and manner of death. At this time, investigators have found no indications that any of the four cases involved criminal activity or suspicious circumstances.
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