Effingham Man Found Dead Due to Natural Causes

A local man was found dead early Tuesday morning. The death is believed due to natural causes.

The man has been identified as 54-year-old Jeffrey Bower of Effingham.

Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes reports Effingham City Police and Abbott EMS responded to a residence on Cherry Street in Effingham just after 5am regarding an unresponsive man.

Abbott EMS attendants attempted resuscitation, but attempts were unsuccessful and Bower was pronounced deceased. The Coroner's Office was notified and responded to the scene.

Initial investigation indicated there was trauma to the body and Bower was transported to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital Morgue. An autopsy was conducted Tuesday afternoon to determine the cause of death. The preliminary autopsy finding was coronary artery disease, from natural causes. Toxicology results are still pending.

The Effingham City Police Department Patrol and Detective Sections assisted in the investigation.

The investigation continues by the Coroner's Office.