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Harley Dilly most likely died the day he went missing, coroner says

Posted at 11:18 AM, Jan 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-20 15:01:44-05

PORT CLINTON, Ohio — The Lucas County coroner said 14-year-old Harley dilly most likely died the day he went missing.

“There is no accurate forensic way of determining an exact time of death in such circumstances," coroner Daniel Cadigan said.

Harley was found lodged in the chimney of an unoccupied home just steps from the Dilly family home. Last seen walking to school, police said it appeared Harley climbed an antennae tower to the roof and entered the chimney.

His coat and glasses were found inside the home near a flue on the second floor of the house.

The coroner ruled Harley's cause of death as compressive asphyxia. Compressive asphyxia is when respiration is prevented by external pressure on the body.

Authorities said his death appeared to be accidental.

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