On December 14, 2009, James Bernard Smith, 41, of Grand Portage, was found dead, the apparent victim of hanging. Thisweek Cook County Sheriff Mark Falk released autopsy information from the Lake County Medical Examiner, confirming that the cause of death was suicidal hanging with associated injuries.
While taking a shortcut between houses on Stevens Road in Grand Portage a friend found Smith’s body in the woods. Smith had been reported missing two weeks earlier.
There were questions about the death because Smith’s hands were tied. However, Sheriff Falk said investigation revealed no sign of struggle or injury. Smith’s hands were tied loosely in front of his body with about a foot of rope between hands. It is unknown why Smith tied his hands, but Sheriff Falk said it is possible he did so to prevent himself from having second thoughts and using his arms to rescue himself.
A suicide note was found in his pocket by the medical examiner.
Falk said it certainly was an unusual death, but added that Smith struggled with depression. “Knowing Mr. Smith over the years, it wouldn’t be unusual for him to do something like this,” said Falk.
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