Published: October 29, 2009 09:04 am      

Coroner: Census worker died at tree in Ky. forest

LEXINGTON — A part-time census taker died at the tree in a Kentucky forest where his body was found with a rope around his neck and the word “fed” scrawled on his chest, officials said Wednesday.

The naked body of Bill Sparkman, 51, was found hanging from the tree yet in contact with the ground in a remote patch of the Daniel Boone National Forest on Sept. 12. Authorities had previously not said whether Sparkman died there or elsewhere and then taken to the secluded area near a family cemetery in rural southeast Kentucky.

Clay County Coroner Jim Trosper and state medical examiner executive director Mike Wilder confirmed the death location to The Associated Press, but gave no other details.

Authorities have kept a tight lid on the investigation into the death of the teacher and part-time census worker. They have confirmed asphyxiation caused his death, but Wilder said a manner of death still couldn’t be determined until the investigation is complete. Homicide, suicide and an accident were all being considered, he said.

Jerry Weaver, one of the people who found the body during a family gathering at the cemetery, said Sparkman had been gagged and his hands and feet were bound with duct tape. The word “fed” was written on his chest in what appeared to be felt-tip marker, Trosper said.

Wilder said his office was largely finished with its part of the investigation now that Sparkman’s body has been released for cremation, although it was still waiting to evaluate some forensic evidence. No report would be issued until law enforcement finished conducting interviews to learn exactly how he died, Wilder said.

“Any kind of investigation where there is a question as to the manner of death, you just have to cover every base,” Wilder said. “We can’t do any more, but we’re not going to elaborate on a manner of death without the law enforcement end collaborating on what the findings are.”

Capt. Lisa M. Rudzinski, commander of the state police post in London, said Tuesday that investigators were making progress and expected some resolution in a matter of weeks rather than months.

Census officials have suspended door-to-door work in the county until the investigation is complete.