The Crawford community is mourning the weekend death of Crawford Fire Chief Emil Daugherty. The 60-year old Daugherty was found dead Saturday near a wood pile outside his home, and Dawes County Attorney and Coroner Vance Haug says all evidence points to natural causes.

VA medical records show Daugherty had a serious heart attack two years ago, and Haug believes the death was likely the result of heart-related complications.

A widower who lived alone, Daugherty's body was found by a family member who'd gone to check on him after he'd failed to meet them for dinner. Haug says it appears Daugherty died while preparing to split wood because a wood splitter was found near his body.

Daugherty had been the Crawford Fire Chief for about 5 years. Funeral arrangements are pending.