The Sheriff's Office is investigating the unattended death of 61 year old JOHN FREDERICK WATSON of Gamaliel.  A census taker found MR. WATSON deceased this morning on the front steps of his residence.  

     The manner of death was not immediately apparent.  The decedent was removed by the Baxter County Coroner's Office and is being sent to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner's Office in Little Rock for autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.

    No foul play is suspected, however the investigation will remain open pending the results of the autopsy.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff