Southeast Missouri man's death not foul play

NEW MADRID, Mo. - Investigators have determined the death of a Matthews, Mo., man is not the result of foul play, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported.

Following an autospy, New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens said the death of William Smith "Billy" Babb, 49, was due to "a combination of things."

According to Stevens, Babb and another individual were involved in an automobile accident approximately a mile north of Route U on County Road 641 on March 13. The men were able to get out of the vehicle and began walking, leaving the scene in different directions.

Babb's body was discovered at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Stevens attributed the man's death to a combination of the accident and exposure to the elements.

To determine if there were any other factors in the death, the sheriff has requested toxicology reports from blood and fluid samples.