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Highlands Today

County Reports First Fay-Related Fatality

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By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: August 21, 2008

LAKE PLACID - A Lake Placid man appears to be the only fatality in Highlands County as a result of Tropical Storm Fay.

John Robert Graves, 54, of Lake Placid, was found unresponsive at 5:48 p.m. Saturday in his garage when his wife returned home, a spokeswoman at the Medical Examiner's Office reported on Wednesday.

Graves reportedly told his wife he was preparing their two generators for the storm's arrival. The wife reportedly went out on an errand and returned to find her husband in the garage.

His death appears to be consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, a spokeswoman for the Medical Examiner's Office said.

However, Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Nelson is waiting for the results of a toxicology exam before making a final determination.
Interim Director for Highlands County EMS Steve Coltharp said Wednesday the victim was found dead when EMS arrived at the scene Saturday.

When asked about information regarding the death, sheriff's Capt. Randy LaBelle said the Highlands County Sheriff's Office was not commenting on the case as it remained an open death investigation.

Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

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