Hunters Death May Have Been Hunting Accident

September 17, 2008

Frederic Markham was found by his hunting buddy at the base of his treestand dead this past Saturday evening in Harnett County At this time it is unclear whether medical issues played any role in his death or if he died as a result of falling out of the tree. An autopsy is being conducted. Story from the Dunn Daily Record.

Former Harnett County Sheriff Deputy Found Dead
A former Harnett County Sheriff’s deputy died this weekend as he was hunting in Anderson Creek.

Frederic John Markham, 52, also known as “Fritz,” was found dead around 7:20 a.m. Saturday by a friend with whom he’d been hunting.

Harnett County Sheriff Larry Rollins said Mr. Markham had fallen out of the tree stand where he was hunting in the woods near Buckhorn Road. He said it was not clear if he died as the result of the fall or a heart attack.

“He had had a number of medical problems over the year,” Sheriff Rollins said. “It could have been that, but we won’t know for sure until we get the autopsy.”

Mr. Markham, of Dickens Road in Broadway, resigned from the department in April. He had been with the department for 14 years.

Sheriff Rollins said Mr. Markham was known throughout the department as an avid hunter.

“He was a good guy,” Sheriff Rollins said. “Fritz loved to hunt. And it’s kind of like some people say, ‘if they have to go, they want to go doing what they enjoy.’

“But still, I hate it for his family,” Sheriff Rollins said.

Sheriff Rollins said he was uncertain when Mr. Markham’s autopsy would be completed.

Sounds like he may not have been using a safety belt or at least he had to get out of it to climb up and down the tree. No matter what is the cause of this man’s death lets be careful while hunting.

Story by Dan McLaughlin AKA Moose