Police release identity of deceased man found in yard

Help sough to find next of kin

BASIN — The Basin Police Department released the name of the deceased man found Monday afternoon in a yard in Basin.

According to a release from Chief of Police Chris Kampbell, the deceased individual has been identified as 59-year-old Kevin D. Payne also known as Chase Payne.

Payne had moved to Basin approximately five days before his death.

According to the Basin Police they are seeking the public’s help in location Payne’s next of kin.

Per the release, a next of kin is still being sought for notification of his passing. If anyone has any information about Mr. Payne’s family, they are asked to contact the Basin Police Department at 307-568-2341.

On Monday afternoon, Dec. 11, Basin police officers and Big Horn County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an address in the 600 block of West A Street in Basin of an unattended death.

The homeowner had discovered the body of a male, Payne, lying in the yard next to the garage, near the alleyway.

Law enforcement officers along with the county coroner thoroughly examined the scene.

An autopsy was conducted to determine a cause of death and showed Payne died from hypothermia exposure.

The manner of death was accidental.

Other medical issues that Payne had were likely a contributing cause to his death, according to the Basin Police Department.

Kampbell said in the release that there is no foul play suspected in this case.