The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 55 year old Gamaliel resident, GARY DON MCALISTER, after being called to Castaways Resort at 7624 Hwy 101 North at approximately 9:36 this morning for a welfare check.

     The resort manager indicated that GARY MCALISTER, a resident at the resort, had not been heard from or seen since Sunday, January 11th.  Upon arrival, Sheriff’s Deputy Tracy Munson was given access to the locked apartment by the manager.  When Deputy Munson made entry into the room, he found GARY MCALISTER deceased on the recliner with evidence that he had sustained a chest injury from a knife.

     Investigators and the County Coroner were called to the scene to investigate further.  A suicide note was found that outlined the manner in which GARY MCALISTER stated he intended to kill himself, which was consistent with the evidence found.  The note also made requests regarding handling and disposition of the body and what notifications to make.  There were also several empty prescription medication bottles belonging to MCALISTER that indicates he may have overdosed.

     The body of the deceased is being sent to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner’s Office in Little Rock for autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.  The investigation will remain open pending the results of the autopsy.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff