Former Grantsville Police Chief J. D. Nicholson, 45, died Monday at his residence at Walton, Roane County.
His body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office to determine cause of death.
The autopsy is being performed because his death was unattended and likely because of a blow he took to his head in April by an unknown assailant.
Nicholson, who was more recently a process server for the Calhoun Sheriff's Department, was allegedly struck by a ball bat on the front porch of his home. That incident happened in April.
Reports said at least two individuals came to his home at Walton, one remaining in the road and the other striking him when he came to the porch.
More recently, Nicholson was injured in a mower or tractor accident.
He was an unsuccessful candidate for Roane County Sheriff during the last election cycle.
In August, 2006 he was hired as Grantsville's Police Chief. He said, "I've always been a small town person and Grantsville looks really good" after spending two years in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan as a civilian engineer.
The former Clendenin police officer was also a security officer with the University of Charleston, before going abroad.
Following the recent incident, Roane County Deputy Sheriff Mike King said at least two people appeared to be involved in the altercation.
"There was one guy in the driveway and one who hit him from behind," he said.
King said no charges had been filed, but the sheriff's department is following up on leads.
Funeral services are scheduled Saturday in Spencer.
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