Authorities: Hanging death of Ada boy an accident

<br>(Ada-AP) -- Pontotoc County authorities say the hanging death of a 9-year-old boy was accidental. <br><br>Authorities say Preston Lawrence died after falling or jumping from a post and strangling on

Monday, January 5th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Ada-AP) -- Pontotoc County authorities say the hanging death of a 9-year-old boy was accidental.

Authorities say Preston Lawrence died after falling or jumping from a post and strangling on his shirt. A final report from the state Medical Examiner's office is expected within a few days.

County Undersheriff John Christian says investigators don't know exactly what happened, but says there is no reason to suspect foul play.

Christian says Preston was playing with his 7-year-old brother near their home when they were called inside by their mother. He says when boy failed to come inside the younger brother was sent to find him, but returned to say his brother wasn't breathing.