Foul play ruled out in man’s death

February 27, 2015

OCSO cruiserOTTO TWP. — The death of Jack A. Fielstra, 71, of Rothbury is currently considered an accidental death, but it may have been caused by a medical condition, law enforcement officials said Friday morning, Feb. 27.

Fielstra’s badly-burned body was found by Oceana County Sheriff’s deputies Thursday, Feb. 26, at 9:46 a.m. in an unattached garage that was heavily damaged by fire.

“Foul play is not believed to be involved in any way at this time,” said OCSO Lt. Craig Mast. “His body was sent to autopsy for today, although it may be limited because of the damage from the fire. The autopsy may be able to tell us if this is medical — it is currently being viewed as an accidental death.”

Deputies were dispatched to 8376 S. 116th Ave. to check on Fielstra’s well-being “and upon inspecting the interior of the garage found the badly-burned body of Mr. Fielstra,” states a press release issued by the sheriff’s office Thursday. “It is believed Mr. Fielstra was out, in and around the garage to blow snow. The origin of the fire is still under investigation and is of yet undetermined,” the press release states. “Friends and family who usually communicate with Mr. Fielstra on a daily basis had not heard from him and had grown concerned.”

The sheriff’s office believes the fire took place Wednesday, Feb. 25. No fire department was ever called, and the fire had burned out.

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