By Associated Press - Thursday, February 20, 2014

KELSO, Wash. (AP) - An 86-year-old Kelso man was found dead in his flooded basement, but officials say he did not drown.

The Cowlitz County coroner’s office says Velmer L. Backstrom died from a “catastrophic medical issue” before he fell into the water.

Officials believe he went to the basement Monday and was stricken while surveying the flooding.

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The Daily News reports (https://bit.ly/1d4PYBG ) his body was found Tuesday by a relative.

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Information from: The Daily News, https://www.tdn.com

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