Wadena man, 72, dies in pickup fire

WADENA -- A 72-year-old Wadena man died in a pickup fire early Saturday morning after he left his home to go deer hunting.

Duane William Karnatz's pickup was found on fire by family members about 7:20 a.m. in the area in which he was to be hunting. His pickup was heard leaving his residence about 6 a.m. Karnatz had apparently driven into a low area and the vehicle became stuck, the Wadena County Sheriff's Department reported.

Karnatz suffered from several medical problems, the sheriff's department reported, and investigators said that may have contributed to the 72-year-old becoming disoriented and getting his pickup stuck.

The State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting with the investigation of the fire. Initial indications are that the vehicle fire was accidental, possibly caused by the engine overheating, the sheriff's department said.

The Wadena County Coroner's Office is performing an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Foul play isn't suspected, the sheriff's department said.

The DNR and the Wadena police and fire departments assisted.