Heat kills man in Butler County

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Butler County has recorded one heat-related death during the hot and humid conditions in July.

"A 57-year-old man died in a camper when the heat index reached 117," Coroner Jim Akers said. "All he had was a fan."

Akers identified the man as Richard Lovelace, who was staying in a camper at CJ's Pawn Shop at 628 S. Westwood Blvd. Lovelace did not have any relatives in the area.

Akers said he was found dead at 6:30 a.m. July 12 and had been last seen alive at 1 p.m. the day before. "He had lived in the camper for several weeks and had been consuming a lot of alcohol," he said.

The temperature soared to 98 degrees July 11 and fell to only 80 that night.

Akers urges everyone to "stay hydrated, stay inside and check on your neighbors."

There have been five confirmed heat stroke deaths in the St. Louis area, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Maximum heat index values will range from 105 to 115 through Saturday, according to an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service at Paducah, Ky. There will be little cooling at night as lows will be at or above 75.

Pertinent address:

628 S. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO