BLAND — The Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into the death of Kristen Ann Marie (Birmingham) Tungate, 36, of Bland.

Ozark Ambulance District was dispatched to Tungate’s residence a little after 3 p.m. Feb. 30 in the 200 block of High Street in Bland for a supposed hanging. 

“EMS responded and tried to perform life-saving measures, but were unable to resuscitate the individual,” said Gasconade County Sheriff John Romanus.

When asked about the incident, Romanus said EMS is dispatched to determine if any life-saving measures can be taken. He cited an ongoing investigation for reasons he could not disclose the manner in which Tungate was found. 

Gasconade County Coroner Ben Grosse was also called to the scene. He declared Tungate’s time of death as 4:40 p.m., but did not share cause.

“We are still waiting for toxicology,” Grosse said. “It takes about eight weeks.”

“He (Grosse) did take possession of the deceased,” Romanus said.

The sheriff said that an autopsy was ordered and conducted on Friday.

“Any time we have a death that is not of natural causes, an autopsy is always nice unless it is apparent how someone died,” Romanus said.

Results of the autopsy were not back Tuesday, and the sheriff said he was not comfortable releasing information without the medical examiner’s report. He does not believe the public is in any danger.

“This is just a death investigation at this time,” Romanus said. “I don’t believe there is any threat to the public. Until we get the autopsy results, I can’t release any more information at this time.”