Mississippi man dies while working on tractor Thursday morning

Officials are trying to determine if heat played a factor after a Mississippi man died while working on a tractor Thursday morning.

Lincoln County Coroner Blake Wallace confirmed to The Brookhaven Daily Leader that James Smith, 74, died while on a tractor outside a residence on MS-550 in Lincoln County.

Wallace said trauma did not cause the death but a medical condition might have. It is not known if the heat played any factor in the death.

Temperatures were around 84 degrees Thursday morning when the accident occurred.

Wallace advised people to be cautious while working outside this summer.

“Please be mindful of our rising temperatures and heat index and drink plenty of fluids before and during outside activities,” Wallace said.

Heat forecast to return Thursday had a break from the heat but high temperatures and heat stress conditions will return this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Jackson warns heat exhaustion is likely with prolonged outdoor activity from Friday through Monday.

If you do work outside, make sure you take the necessary precautions.

“Remember to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and make sure neighbors, relatives and pets have a cool place to spend the day,” NWS Jackson stated.