** Update 1:30 p.m.**
The Greenwood Coroner’s office says the autopsy was completed Thursday but won’t release anything pending the toxicology results.
An Upstate man is dead after a tasing incident in Greenwood County early Wednesday afternoon.
Deputies say 53-year old Ernest Owen Ridlehuber III was pronounced dead at a home on Old Laurens Road in Greenwood. Ridlehuber was reported missing, and family and deputies had been looking for him. Around 2 pm Wednesday, he was found by family members at the home on Old Laurens Road.
Deputies say Ridlehuber became aggressive toward family members and threatened to have a weapon. Greenwood County Sheriff's deputies then entered the home, and say they struggled with the victim. Deputies say they were forced to taser Ridlehuber twice.
When they put him in handcuffs, they say he had trouble breathing. Deputies tried first aid, and EMT's were called, but that all failed to save him.
Family members tell NewsChannel 7, Ridlehuber had heart problems, and was struggling with marital issues. They say he refused their wishes to get help. And they say his death was caused by his refusal to give himself up for help.
An autopsy will be performed Thursday morning. The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the incident.
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