ESTHERVILLE — A 26-year-old man found dead on the ground inside a Northern Iowa state park has been identified, but authorities say the cause and manner of his death remain undetermined as they await additional medical testing.
The Emmet County Communications Center received a 911 call at approximately 8:54 a.m. on September 11 reporting an unresponsive man lying on the ground at Fort Defiance State Park near Estherville.
Emmet County sheriff’s deputies responded and found the man deceased.
Authorities later identified him as Cole H. Lacko, 26, of Sherburn, Minnesota, formerly of Prior Lake.
Lacko’s body was transported to the Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for an autopsy. The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office said no cause or manner of death had been determined when the information was released.
Additional testing, including toxicology, had not yet been completed or reported.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that there is no danger to the public and said activities at Fort Defiance State Park may continue normally.
The sheriff’s office said it does not expect to release additional information until the final medical examiner’s report is completed.
Lacko’s obituary provides a glimpse into the young man whose death is now under investigation.
Born April 27, 2000, Lacko enjoyed country living on his small farm, which he affectionately called “CBR.” He was remembered as someone who appreciated sunsets, watching the stars and storm chasing.
Family and friends were central to his life. His obituary described time spent joking with his brother and sister, traveling with his parents and enjoying time with friends as among the things he treasured most.
Lacko also shared a close bond with his dog, Pepper, and particularly enjoyed their daily walks together.
He was remembered by his family as humble, caring and dependable.
Lacko is survived by his parents, Andrew and Michelle; siblings Ashton and Natalie; grandparents Joanne Gillette and Carl and Linda Lacko; along with extended family members and Pepper.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held September 21 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, Minnesota, followed by a private family interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Prior Lake.
The circumstances surrounding Lacko’s death remain under investigation, and authorities have not publicly identified evidence pointing to a particular cause.
NorthIowaToday.com will update the story if the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office releases findings from the medical examiner.
There doesn’t appear to be a strong, genuinely related NIT archive story worth forcing into this one. I’d rather keep the internal linking clean than insert a generic death story just for SEO.