VINTON, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation report that at or about 9-a.m. Saturday, January 2nd, deputies with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request for a welfare check at a residence  in the 2900 block of 28th Avenue, in rural Vinton.

Upon arrival, authorities located the body of a deceased male identified as 84-year-old James Howard Bright. Bright’s death is currently being investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol.

Authorities say, “At this time, it is believed there is no threat to public safety.”