A 78-year-old American citizen was found dead inside his rented residence in Menzi Village, Barangay Agusan Canyon, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, on the morning of August 22, with police initially finding no indication of foul play.
According to a report from the Manolo Fortich Municipal Police Station (MPS), the victim was discovered by his 46-year-old live-in partner at around 6:00 a.m. She reportedly found him lying unresponsive on his bed and no longer breathing.
The woman told police that the victim was last seen alive around midnight when he asked for assistance in going to the bathroom. Afterward, the couple went to sleep.
The victim was immediately brought to Polymedic Medical Hospital for medical attention. However, attending doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Based on the initial police investigation, authorities found no apparent signs that a crime had been committed or that another person was involved in the death. Police said the victim had known underlying medical conditions, including lymphoma and prostate cancer, which could have contributed to his death.
Despite the initial findings, the victim’s remains were brought to a funeral home for an autopsy to determine the exact cause and circumstances of his death.
The Manolo Fortich MPS is also coordinating with the victim’s family and his friends while facilitating coordination with the United States Embassy regarding the case and the appropriate arrangements for his remains.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that the final cause of death will depend on the results of the autopsy and other relevant procedures.