Possible heat related death
SMITH COUNTY- Smith County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace James Cowart has confirmed to KETK that a 37-year-old, James Harlan,died Wednesday while working outside.
Cowart says it happened on a county road in the Troup area.
Witnesses say Harlan was mowing the lawn for his boss when he started to get hot and complained of not feeling well.
He was told to go inside and drink some liquids. Soon after Harlan collapsed inside the house.
CPR was started and he was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Officials say Harlan was a diabetic, but his blood sugar levels were normal and don't believe it was a factor.
Harlan's body has been sent to Southeast Forensics in Tyler for autopsy.
Officials believe heat was a contributing factor in his death.
This is so sad. Unfortunately, I just now found out about this. James was an ordained minister who married my husband and I in 2002. He was a great guy and will be missed. Although we had lost touch, it is still a loss felt by our family.
As to the media coverage...There are underlying reasons why the people at James' memorial might not wish to be identified on television. Yes, his life and his death are worthy of notice however it is very tacky to intrude on a group when they are in mourning. Perhaps scheduling an interview with a willing participant to talk about James would have been more appropriate.
Stacy
8 months ago"Witnesses" said he was mowing - so the witnesses were wrong. Go after them.
I suppose it would have been better if his live had just ignored by the community.
Aaron
9 months agoKETK,
I would like to thank the reporter wo was so kind as to invite himself to join us in celebrating the life of James Harlan. So great was his desire to spend this time with us, that even after being asked to leave, he continued filming from across the street. Such considerate individuals are rare in this world, and much appreciated. Especially by those of us who asked not to be filmed.
Joshua Smith
9 months agoI am not sure why these folks don't find that this sad story is news worthy. Maybe it will prevent someone else from doing "work" that can wait. Either way, holding a post or mowing a yard, it is a very sad day for this mans family.
donna
9 months agoJames Harlan was one of the few very good people you come across in life. When we were sitting there, remembering all of the good things about our friend, the last thing we wanted was a camera filming us, especially for television. We are not on a reality show, we are living our life and celebrating his life. I found the camera being there offensive and disrespectful.
Donald Allen
9 months agoJames Harlan was my friend. Let be begin by saying that. Now, lets get some facts straight. James was NOT mowing when he started feeling bad, he was holding a fence post so that another person could drive it into the ground. James ALSO had a history of health issues, not just diabetes. Reporters should do a better job of reporting FACTS, no suppositions. For future reference, following the ambulance and then showing up at the gathering of friends that evening is tactless and insensitive. Lets try to be a bit more aware of the impact of our actions on others in a time of trial.
Carrie Grier
9 months agoPost new comment