HAMILTON — A 64-year-old man who died after golfing has been declared Butler County's sole heat-related death this summer.

        It was one of only a few such deaths in the Tristate in 2002, despite warmer-than-average temperatures.

        Butler County Coroner Dr. Richard P. Burkhardt on Tuesdaysaid Billy C. Fisher died last week because he exerted himself, became dehydrated and suffered an electrolyte imbalance during hot weather. Dr. Burkhardt made that ruling Monday.

        In Hamilton County, there was at least one heat-related death: Richard Williams, 64, of Cheviot, who succumbed to heat stroke in a vehicle June 23. Coroner's spokesman Terry Daly said there could be other heat-related deaths, though, because some remain under investigation from August.

        The Warren County Coroner's Office had recorded no heat-related deaths as of Tuesday.

        The Clermont, Campbell, Boone and Kenton county coroners' offices did not return a reporter's phone messages.

        Dr. Burkhardt said Mr. Fisher was more vulnerable because he also suffered from coronary artery disease.

        Mr. Fisher had been hitting balls at Joe Nuxhall's Golf Center in the Joyce Park area of Hamilton for about two hours when he didn't feel well and told others he was going home.

        He collapsed near his vehicle, where another golfer found him around 3:40 p.m. Sept. 9and called for help.

        Investigators said the temperature at the golf center was measured at 100 degrees in the sun that day, Dr. Burkhardt said.

        Although this summer has been drier and hotter than average, with more than 40 days exceeding 90 degrees, Dr. Burkhardt said, “It's been more of a nuisance heat than a dangerous heat.”

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