RATHDRUM - A 68-year-old Rathdrum area man was found dead in a culvert on Sunday.

Dean Primmer was deceased when deputies arrived, according to a press release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department.

The incident, reported as a possible drowning, was in the Willadsen Road area just west of the 17000 block of Highway 41 north of Rathdrum.

"Upon arrival deputies found (Primmer) upside down in a culvert which was placed vertical in the ground," the press release states. "The culvert was part of a small catch basin that contained water."

An autopsy was scheduled to be performed this afternoon.

Additional information will not be available until detectives have completed their preliminary investigation.

KCSD Capt. Dan Soumas said Primmer lived in that area. The incident occurred on Sunday and was reported at 6 p.m.

"There was no way to extricate himself," Soumas said. "We're not labeling it as an accident or intentional until the autopsy is complete and we've interviewed more folks."

Primmer worked for the Lakes Highway District for several years before retiring.