DeLeon Springs Man Found Dead In Gopher Tortoise Hole

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DeLeon Springs, FL- The death of a 74-year-old DeLeon Springs man is under investigation. VCSO deputies responded to a call from 72-year-old Maria Prokop Tuesday morning, reporting her husband Joseph had been missing overnight. The seven-acre property was searched by deputies and they found the victim face down in a gopher tortoise hole.  Deputies say there was also an aggressive dog near the body. Animal Control was called to capture the dog so paramedics could check the body. During the search, deputies found a number of exotic animals on the property, including four alligators. FWC took the animals and put them in licensed facilities. Maria said that she last saw Joseph outside on Monday around noon when she left for work. She came home at about 7 P.M., did not see or hear him and went to bed.  When Joseph was not in the house in the morning, Maria said she searched for him. She could not find him and that's when she called VCSO. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is still investigating. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2016.