On the evening of Saturday, June 27, 2026, two Lac du Flambeau tribal members were found deceased.
A caller told the Vilas County Dispatch Center that two people were believed to be deceased at a residence.
The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, (LDFPD), responded to the residence. Officers were told a man was lying on the garage floor. He, Gilbert "Barney" Chapman, was clearly deceased. Officers were told a woman was in the living room. She, Natalie Poupart, had no pulse and was not breathing. Officers attempted CPR on Natalie but ultimately were not successful.
Additional LDFPD officers and investigators came to assist at the scene. Vilas County Sheriff Gerry Ritter and Vilas County investigators arrived to assess and process the scene, including locating and collecting evidence.
In an effort to determine the causes of death, autopsies will be performed.
The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department stated they are "aware that rumors are circulating throughout the community, as bewildered and grief-stricken family members and friends struggle to process this tragic situation. While the causes of death are unknown at this point, there is no indication that either victim sustained any sort of physical injury, nor is there any indication that there is any threat to the community. The investigation into the deaths of Barney and Natalie is ongoing, and everything possible is being done to provide to the victims’ family members the answers that they need and deserve. We ask that everyone keep the family of Barney and Natalie in their thoughts and prayers at this sad time."
The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, Lac du Flambeau Tribal Victim Services Director, the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department, Vilas County Dispatch Center, Lac du Flambeau EMS, Oneida County Med 5, and the Vilas County Medical Examiner assisted.