LaPorte County man found dead under farm tractor

LAPORTE, Ind. (AP) - The LaPorte County sheriff's department says a 78-year-old man has died after he was found trapped under a tractor in the backyard of his home.

WSBT-TV in Mishawaka reports the unidentified man was found Tuesday afternoon by his ex-wife. She became concerned after not hearing from him for several days.

Sheriff's deputies arriving at the scene determined the man was dead.

Investigators say the man was working on an older model farm tractor when at some point the tractor began moving. The victim was caught under the rear of the tractor and a drag box.

Sheriff John Boyd says the accident is reminder that everyone "make frequent checks on elderly neighbors and relatives."

The LaPorte County coroner is expected to determine the exact cause of the man's death.