Carl Venne, the chairman of the Crow Tribe of Montana, was found dead in a relative's home on Sunday. He was 62.

An autopsy will determine the cause of death but authorities do not suspect foul play. Word of his death spread quickly through the reservation and the state.

"Carl leaves behind an entire nation strengthened by his hard work and his dedication to all Crow people," said Sen. Jon Tester (D-Montana), The Billings Gazette reported.

Venne was among the first tribal leaders to publicly endorse President Barack Obama. He welcomed the then-candidate last May to the reservation for a historic visit.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Get the Story:
Crow tribal chairman Venne found dead at relative's home (The Billings Gazette 2/16)
Crow Tribal Chairman Dies (KULR-TV 2/16)
Crow Tribe Chairman dies at 62 (KTVQ 2/15)
Crow Tribal Chairman Venne Dies at 62 (AP 2/15)