Lawnmower ride ends in death for Alhambra man

An Alhambra man died Sunday afternoon while operating a lawnmower, which then overturned and trapped him beneath it.

Robert J. Geschwend, 61, of 10645 Brandt Road, was found beneath the Dixie Chopper LT 2400 zero turn mower by a passersby at 3:09 p.m. on Suhre Road north of Brandt Road in Alhambra, according to Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn.

Madison County Sheriff's investigators say they believe that Geschwend was not mowing at the time of the accident, but was using the mower to travel to a nearby friend's home on Suhre Road.

A Monday autopsy revealed Geschwend did not die of asphyxiation or trauma from the accident. However, the autopsy did find extensive cardiovascular disease and investigators say Geschwend may have died from natural causes while operating the mower, which then caused it to leave the road and overturn.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra.