Man found dead in Wyoming

Three men from a Mitchell family were released from a Gillette, Wyo., jail Friday after being held overnight on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Peter Nels Huke, 44, also of Mitchell.

Campbell County Coroner Tom Eekhoff said at 5:30 p.m. Friday that preliminary results from an autopsy show that Huke died from natural causes, or more specifically, a heart attack. According to police reports, Huke had been involved in an altercation with fellow workers the night before he died.

All four men were in Gillette working on a heating and ventilation project for a local hospice, said Campbell County Undersheriff Scott Matheny.

Released from Campbell County jail around noon Friday were Curtis Buchholz Sr., 49, of Loomis, and his sons, Curtis Buchholz Jr., 26, of Mitchell; and Michael Buchholz, 24, of Deadwood.

Huke was found dead early Thursday at a shop and makeshift sleeping area at a building owned by Action Mechanics, a plumbing, heating and ventilation company that contracted with all four men.

Matheny said the Buchholz men had been named by others as having been involved in a fight with Huke the night before his death. No weapons were involved in the fight, Matheny said, but alcohol was a factor.

Huke couldn’t be awakened by a roommate Thursday morning. It was determined he died in his sleep.

Gillette media outlets had incorrectly reported that the Buchholz men had been charged with involuntary manslaughter, Matheny said. The men were arrested and held overnight, but on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, he clarified.

The case remains under investigation, said Matheny, and the three have been instructed to remain in the Gillette area pending its resolution. Toxicology and other reports are yet to be filed, said officials.

The Will Funeral Chapel of Mitchell is handling funeral arrangements. As of Friday afternoon, services were pending.

Tags: gillette wyoming, peter huke, news