(West Okoboji)– An investigation is underway into the death of an Arnolds Park woman who’s body was found near a grass fire Friday afternoon behind Olsen Landscaping in West Okoboji.
Dickinson County Sheriff Greg Baloun says an autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death of 75-year-old Helen Wittrock.
Baloun says Wittrock had been burning off her garden when the fire got out of hand and started spreading.
Authorities aren’t sure if she died as a result of the fire or a medical condition.
The fire was discovered by a neighbor who called authorities. The Milford Fire Department responded and extinguished the blaze.
Baloun says a Milford police officer was informed that Wittrock was missing when he went to her house.
The fire was reported around 3:30 p.m.
