Heat may have played a factor in the death of James Harlan of Troup last week.

The 37-year-old reportedly had been outdoors with a friend on County Road 2138 and went in the house to cool down. When his friend went inside he found Harlan unresponsive.

After calling 911, the friend performed CPR but was unable to resuscitate him.

Harlan later died at East Texas Medical Center.

The office of Justice of the Peace James Cowart reports that an autopsy was ordered and preliminary reports only indicated completion was pending due to further testing yet to be done.

Harlan's best friend Dustin Stephens said he will surely be missed by his family and by the Renaissance community.

Stephens said they met some 14 years ago and within just a short time he realized the Harlan was truly a great guy.

Stephens believes that Harlan's diabetes played a part in his death. He said he had already experienced one mild heart attack and was having difficulty maintaining his health due to the diabetes.

With temperatures soaring and no relief in sight, people of all ages, whether in good health or bad, should be aware of the warning signs of heat exhaustion. They include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting.

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, if heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention and call 911 immediately if symptoms are severe, or the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Other wise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Suggestions from the CDC for heat exhaustion include cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician, rest, cool shower, bath, or sponge bath, an air-conditioned environment and the wearing of lightweight clothing.