Wolfeboro resident found dead near home, no foul play suspected

WOLFEBORO — A body was found in the woods near a residence on Sunday, and while police are investigating, no foul play is suspected.

Earl Clough, 73, of Beach Pond Road, was found dead about 15 yards behind his home, in a wooded area, following a wellness check. His brother told police he couldn’t get in touch with him.

Wolfeboro Police officers were dispatched to Beach Pond Road at 3:45 p.m. on May 31, to search the area for Clough, after family and friends became worried when they couldn’t get in touch with him, Chief Christopher Warn said.

Family and friends had been searching for him since about 1:45 p.m., and nobody had heard from him since Friday. Warn said he was not considered a missing person, but a prepared statement from the department said officers went to the scene after a report of a missing adult male.

“He had not been reported missing,” Warn said. “We were asked if we had seen him.”

Officers found Clough's body at 4:07 p.m. on Sunday.

Warn said while the report from the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will confirm, it does not appear to be a suspicious death. He said the only thing unusual was he was found outside, and his family couldn’t get in touch with him.

“There is no indication of foul play at this point,” Warn said. “We are speculating natural causes. Nothing at the scene is indicating criminal behavior of any kind.”

The death is under investigation by the Wolfeboro Police Department, as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact Capt. Mark Livie at 603-569-1444.