Shumway Man Found Dead; No Foul Play Suspected 

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Shortly after 7am Tuesday, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department was advised by an employee of the Effingham City Water Department that an employee did not report for his night shift on Sunday. He requested a Sheriff’s Deputy accompany him to the individual’s residence in Shumway for a welfare check. Upon arrival, the officers made entry and found the individual deceased in the residence. He was identified as Derrick Helmbacher, age 52 of Shumway.

The Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed no foul play. Toxicology samples were obtained by the Coroner’s Office. Medical records were requested from his primary physician and prescription pills were secured by the Coroner’s Office.

The death remains under investigation by the Effingham County Coroner’s Office and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department. An Effingham City Police Detective also responded to the scene as he was the closest car when the incident was dispatched.