The investigation shows no foul play, but a tragic story nonetheless.

Oregon State Patrol officers report the results of an investigation on a 73-year-old man found alongside I-84 not far from Pendleton show he died from natural causes.

Neil Schulte of Nordland, WA was apparently traveling from Austin, TX to Nordland according to his girlfriend, who reported him missing December 4th.  Just prior to his listing as a missing person, his vehicle had been towed December 3rd after being believed to be abandoned alongside the interstate.

Just after his car was found near milepost 209 in the westbound lanes, Troopers began to search for him after the missing person's bulletin was issued. December 8th, the Umatilla County Coroner and law enforcement began an investigation after Schulte's body was found near the boundary fence by an off ramp near the 209 interchange by Pendleton.

The Coroner didn't specify exactly cause of death, but said Schulte died from natural causes, and there will be no criminal investigation.

More From 97.1 KXRX