MORGAN COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - His death raised many questions at first.

But investigators now say an elderly man likely froze to death inside his Morgan County home near the Ezel community.

Two friends found Curtis "Wiz" Harvey, 78, unresponsive Monday afternoon inside his home along Highway 772. The Morgan County Coroner pronounced him dead a short time later. At first, it appeared foul play may have been involved due to what appeared to be head trauma.

But by Tuesday afternoon investigators ruled out foul play and said Harvey died of natural causes. An autopsy revealed the 78-year-old suffered hypertension and likely froze to death inside his home with no running heat.

"It's just horrible," said Susan Fugette. "It was hard to see and it makes me sick just thinking about him laying there."

Fugette and another friend of the victim, Cassie Haney made the sad discovery. Both women say Harvey was a familiar face in the area and he will be greatly missed.

"It was like losing a member of your own family," Cassie Haney explained. "It's hard...knowing he likely suffered there all alone."

A member of Curtis Harvey's family tells WKYT they will likely not hold a public funeral and they plan to cremate his remains.