The Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a rural Baxter County man after deputies found him deceased at his residence when conducting a check on his welfare at the request of family members.

At approximately 3:26 PM today, Sheriff's Sergeant Ken Grayham was dispatched to 1231 Belle Cove Rd. to check on the welfare of 73 year old ROBERT MURPHY.  Sergeant Grayham was able to make entry into the residence.  He found Mr. MURPHY to be deceased in a hot tub.  Sheriff's Investigators and the County Coroner were summoned to the residence to assist and take possession of the body.

There was no evidence of foul play involved, however the cause of death could not be ascertained.  The body is therefore being send to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Little Rock to determine the cause and manner of death.

Baxter County Sheriff's Office