An elderly man walking his dog along Highway 50 East in Dayton on Thursday likely died of natural
causes.
Witnesses reported it appeared as if James Baratti, 76, bent down to pet his dog about 8 a.m. near Occidental Drive, then collapsed, said Lyon County Sheriff's Lt. Rob Hall.
Hall said witnesses attempted to render aid, but Baratti did not survive.
Hall said Baratti walked his dog every day and lived nearby.
Officers were able to locate next of kin by way of the information on the dog's collar.