The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance from the Prairie du Rocher Fire Department about 10:25 a.m. Saturday in locating a man last seen riding a tractor on a large tract of farmland in the area of 4800 Oak Tree Place off Kaskaskia Road near Fults.

Emergency responders eventually located the farmer deceased on the property, police said.

The man was identified by police as 65-year-old Michael Gooch.

Monroe County Coroner Bob Hill said Sunday that Gooch was found seated on his tractor with no signs of trauma. Preliminary autopsy results indicated the death was of natural causes, Hill said.

Quernheim Funeral Home is handling arrangements for Gooch. A private memorial service will take place at a later date.