Todd Leuthold, a contributor to Ferrets USA and Ferrets, passed away on August 9, 2007. Leuthold, 50, was a computer technician and ferret advocate whose humorous posts were enjoyed by members of Internet groups like the Ferret Mailing List.

Circumstances surrounding Leuthold’s death are under investigation by law enforcement officials in Lancaster, Pa. Police officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at Leuthold’s Lancaster home and found him unresponsive when they arrived. He was pronounced dead at Lancaster General Hospital.

Details pertaining to the cause of Leuthold's death and the events that occurred during the apparent home invasion are unclear. Autopsy results are pending. Police arrested a Lancaster man, Kenneth Eugene Sands Jr., 27, in connection with the case. Lancaster city police Sgt. Bill Gleason was unable to confirm the number of ferrets found in Leuthold’s home. Eight ferrets were taken to the Humane League of Lancaster County. The Humane League placed the ferrets with Fellonius Ferret Rescue and Adoption Agency in Lebanon, Pa. For adoption information, call 717-273-9477.

If you have information regarding this case, contact the Lancaster city police department at 717-735-3300.