Editor's note: This article has been updated to include information from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
JOHNSON COUNTY — An investigation is underway after a Warrensburg man was found dead Wednesday, March 15 at the scene of a natural cover fire northeast of Warrensburg.
According to a news release, Johnson County Fire Protection District personnel responded to the report of a field fire around 2:35 p.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of Northeast Highway V in rural Johnson County.
While extinguishing the natural cover fire, the male was found deceased. An ATV that appeared to have been involved in a crash was also located in the area.
The release states the man was identified as 72-year-old Don Zink, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Johnson County Deputy Coroner Noah Harness.
According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Zink was riding a 1998 Honda ATV south on private property near the 300 block of Northeast Highway V in Warrensburg. As he was traveling through a grassy field, Zink hit a tree. After impact, the vehicle caught fire.
The MSHP and Johnson County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident.
For more information about the Johnson County Fire Protection District, visit www.jcfpd.net or www.facebook.com/johnsoncountyfpd.
