Peoria Councilman Likely Died of Heart Disease

Preliminary results from an autopsy indicate that a Peoria City Council member died of heart disease.

Gary Sandberg was found dead in his home on Friday. He was 65.

Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll told The Journal Star that Sandberg had previously had heart surgery. The coroner says heat could have played a role, too.

Sandberg's daughter last spoke to him on July 13. Colleagues and friends said they hadn't been able to reach him for days.

Sandberg served more than 20 years on the council. His term would have expired in 2015.

Sandberg once told the newspaper that some might have considered him a "problem-maker'' on the council, but he tried to bring the perspective that problems can be solved if all the facts are taken in.