LAKE COUNTY — A Lucerne man was found dead in an area known for illegal dumping in the hills above Lucerne Monday morning. The investigation as of Tuesday morning suggested that the man had been there since Sunday evening, according to the Lake County Sheriff”s Department (LCSD).
A Lucerne woman found the body of Michael Collins Sr., 49, while she was walking her dogs on Robinson Road, according to a Tuesday morning press release from the LCSD. Collins was lying next to his truck with garbage in its bed and its tailgate open, according to the release.
A shovel was on the ground next to him and garbage was found on the ground directly behind the tailgate, according to the release.
“He has a history of heart problems,” Sgt. David Perry said at the scene Monday morning, where authorities were dispatched shortly after 9:30 a.m. Responders from the Lucerne station of the Northshore Fire Protection District were the first on scene.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of Collins” death , according to the LCSD release.
“The investigation found no signs of foul play associated with the death of Mr. Collins,” according to the release.
Collins was found about two miles up Robinson Road, a narrow dirt road marked by potholes and ruts, from where Foothill Drive meets it. The road climbs steep terrain into the hilly area above Lucerne alongside Morrison Creek, the site of numerous complaints of illegal dumping. The LCSD press release said a “light dusting of snow” covered the garbage on the ground and in the back of Collins” truck.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com.
