A former Sheriff who served Polk County from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s died while on a trip to Wyoming, according to several sources.

The Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home announced the death of former Sheriff Jack Jerome Kirkpatrick at the age of 71. The official cause of death is not yet known. Additional information and a full obituary are set to follow. He died on Tuesday, January 19.

Kirkpatrick served Polk County from 1985 through 1992 heading up the Sheriffs office.

His death came during a ski trip to Wyoming, per several sources familiar with the situation. He had been living in Florida prior to his death.

The flag in front of Polk County Courthouse No. 2 was placed at half-mast in his honor today.

Check back for additional information as it becomes available.