No Foul Play Suspected in Either of Two Local Deaths

Two local deaths over the weekend appear to have been due to natural causes.

Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes said one case involved the death of Effingham native Kevin M. Wente. The 38-year-old Wente, a resident of Spring, Texas, was in town visiting relatives at the time of his death. Effingham County Sheriff's Department deputies and Abbott EMS were called to a rural Watson residence regarding an unresponsive man. Wente died shortly after arrival at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital.

Rhodes said preliminary investigation indicated there was no trauma or injury to Wente. An autopsy is set for 1pm Monday to determine the official cause of death.

The other death was that of 68-year-old Lanny Bingman of Effingham. Effingham City Police were called at 10am Sunday to conduct a welfare check at an apartment at 300 West St. Louis Avenue. Police found Bingman dead in the apartment.

Rhodes said there was no sign of trauma or injury to Bingman. There was no foul play suspected, and the death appears due to natural causes due to medical issues.