The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office says the death of a 78-year-old man appears to be a tragic accident.

The victim's ex-wife told deputies she was concerned for the homeowner's welfare because she had been unable to reach him the last two days. When she went to the home in the 16000 block of SR39 Tuesday, she found the victim's body and called deputies.

Deputies say when they arrived to the home, 3 miles southeast of Hanna, they discovered the victim had been trapped under a farm tractor.

The investigation revealed the homeowner had been working on the farm tractor in the back yard when the tractor began moving forward.

The homeowner was trapped between the rear of the tractor and a drag box attached to the rear of the tractor.

The tractor traveled approximately 200-feet before coming to rest against a tree.

Deputies believe the man may have been asphyxiated.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine cause of death.

The sheriff's office says foul play is not suspected and that it appears to be a tragic accident.