Hesperia man dies while putting up tree stand.

Hesperia man dies while putting up tree stand.

#OceanaCounty

ELBRIDGE TOWNSHIP – The body of Lloyd Gauld, 59, of Hesperia was found near a Federal Forest trail in the woods after Gauld had been reported missing by friends for two days, according to Oceana County Undersheriff Ryan Schiller.

Police believe Gauld died while putting up his tree stand for bow hunting deer.

“The body of a 59-year-old Hesperia man was located Wednesday at 12:11 p.m.,” Schiller states in a press release issued Thursday, Sept. 26.

“The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a missing person complaint at 10:21 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25. Mr. Lloyd Gauld was reported missing, and he had not been seen since some time Monday, Sept. 23.

“Friends had reported that they spoke with the victim during the day on Monday, and they believed he was headed to put up a new tree stand for bow hunting season. Friends of the victim located his vehicle on a federal forest trail road in Elbridge Township.

“Deputies made contact with the individuals who located the vehicle and began to search the area. Deputies located the victim approximately 100 yards from his vehicle.

“There is no foul play suspected,” Schiller said, “and it is believed that the victim had some type of medical event while putting up his tree stand.”

Assisting in the search were agencies from Walkerville Fire and Rescue, Ferry Fire Department, OCSO Reserve Division, US Forest Service, Life EMS, Hesperia Police Department and the Michigan State Police – Hart Post.