No foul play suspected in Pyramid Lake tribal chairman’s death

RENO - Authorities investigating the unexpected death of Pyramid Lake Tribal Chairman Wayne Burke said they do not believe foul play was involved.

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe said in a statement Monday that the cause of the 38-year-old's death on Sunday is pending an autopsy, but the tribe wanted to make it clear it was not suspicious and foul play is not suspected.

Gov. Brian Sandoval, who recently appointed Burke to the Nevada Commission on Tourism, praised him for his leadership.

The 10-member tribal council governs the 2,600-member Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, whose reservation is located about 35 miles northeast of Reno.

Tribal Vice Chairman Mervin Wright Jr., will succeed Burke as tribal chairman through the end of the year.