LOVELY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A 92-year-old Martin County man was found dead inside his mobile home Monday evening after a welfare check was requested during the ongoing stretch of dangerous heat across eastern Kentucky.
According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, the man's landlord requested the welfare check after not seeing him for several days and noticing a large number of flies around the home's windows. Deputies had actually seen the man walking along Riverfront Road on Friday.
When authorities arrived at the residence near Oppy Church of God, they found the front door open and discovered the man deceased inside the home. A dead dog was also found inside, while another dog, a cat and four kittens were still alive but in poor condition.
The surviving animals were removed from the home, given food and water, and placed in kennels with fans to help cool them. The sheriff's office is seeking foster placement and donations to help cover veterinary care for the animals.
Investigators said the home contained a small window air conditioner in a bedroom and a box fan in the hallway. A new air conditioner was also found on the porch but had not been installed.
Martin County Coroner Chris Todd pronounced Fleming Hurley dead due to acute respiratory failure and complications of hyperthermia related to extreme heat conditions.
