Hallsville police are investigating what appears to be the accidental death of 73-year-old Joni (Johnny) Miller yesterday. He was found dead Monday morning in a cistern after an apparent construction accident at a Hallsville home.

According to the news release, Authorities were dispatched to a report of a construction worker possibly trapped in a cistern beneath a porch at 211 Elizabeth Street in Hallsville.

Firefighters and Hallsville police conducted a quick search of the surrounding area and then began to pump water from the cistern, where they discovered Miller’s body.

It is believed he was doing work at the back of the house when he fell through the floor into a hole that led underground into the cistern.

Miller’s body was recovered and transported to the Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office where an investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.