POLICE INVESTIGATING FIVE FORKS DEATH - Medical Examiner Will Complete Autopsy

(11/22/2003)

Police are investigating the death of a Wood County man whose body was discovered at a Five Forks store. Twenty-seven-year old Ronald Smith was discovered near a basement apartment door, unresponsive. The manager of Reed's Store, Jason Metz, who identified himself as a friend of the deceased, called 911 about 3 p.m. Friday. Chief Deputy Carl Ballengee said "The death is under investigation and the body has been sent to the medical examiners office in Charleston." Calhoun Coroner John Stump was summoned to Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center. Authorities indicated the case could "just be an unattended death," because Smith had gone to Grantsville for a physician's appointment. A store customer administered CPR on Smith until Calhoun EMS arrived. Authorities obtained a search warrant for the apartment, and State Police and members of the Calhoun Sheriff's Department went to the location late last night. State Trooper Jeff Hunt is in charge of the investigation. A report on the cause of death is expected late next week.

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