Two tribal members found deceased in home

LAC DU FLAMBEAU— Two tribal members were found deceased in their home in Lac du Flambeau the night of June 27 when the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department responded to a 911 call at approximately 9 p.m.

According to a press release, a caller told the Vilas County Dispatch Center that two individuals were believed to be deceased inside the residence.

Upon their arrival, officers were advised that a man was lying on the floor of the garage, and a woman was unresponsive in the living room of the residence.

The release stated that the man, who was identified as Gilbert “Barney” Chapman, was “clearly deceased,” and that his partner, Natalie Poupart, was pulseless and not breathing. Officers attempted CPR on Poupart but were unsuccessful.

Additional police officers were called to the scene, as well as Vilas County Sheriff Gerard Ritter and Vilas County investigators, to process the scene and locate and collect evidence. Autopsies will be performed to determine the cause of death.

The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department said that while the causes of death are unknown, there is no indication that either victim sustained any sort of physical injury, and there is no suspected threat to the community.

“The investigation into the deaths of Barney and Natalie is ongoing, and everything possible is being done to provide to the victims’ family members the answers that they need and deserve,” the department said in the press release. “ The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department would like to thank the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Victim Services Director, the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department, Vilas County Dispatch Center, Lac du Flambeau EMS, Oneida County Med 5, and the Vilas County Medical Examiner for their assistance. We ask that everyone keep the family of Barney and Natalie in their thoughts and prayers at this sad time.”