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ALBION - The death of a Syracuse man has been ruled accidental according to a report by Noble County Coroner John Brazzell.
The report shows James Smith Jr., 45, of Syracuse died of hypothermia. His body was discovered in a pole barn at CR 50W near River Road, belonging to property owner Terry Dazey, Thursday at around 7 p.m. It is estimated Smith had been dead two or three days.
The body was found on top of a tarpaulin which had been used to cover a boat, dressed in a t-shirt and blue jeans. Nighttime temperatures dipped to the low 30s during the week.
It is estimated the temperature was cooler in the pole barn than outdoors.
Dazey had gone to check on the boat when he discovered the body.
Investigators did not find any evidence of foul play. There was no physical abuse to the body.
The body will be released for funeral arrangements in Kentucky. Smith had no relatives in the Syracuse area.
