Death investigation underway after body found along Estill County creek

Kentucky state police are working a death investigation after a man's body was found along a creek Friday morning.

Authorities responded to a rural area on Fitchburg Road around 9:15 a.m.

Troopers say Herbert 'Leslie' Burton, 51, was found dead in the creek near his home. He went missing Wednesday, and friends and family found his body Friday morning.

Investigators believe the man was trying to cross the creek, but the water was high and swift. The man may have drowned or suffered hypothermia.

"I think it just serves as a constant reminder that Mother Nature is powerful and just use caution whenever you get around rising creeks and high water," said Kentucky State Police Trooper Robert Purdy.

Friends have set up a

to help the family pay for funeral expenses.