A Hays man was found dead in a rollover accident about 3.5 miles southwest of Hays early Saturday.

According to Ellis County Sheriff Ed Harbin, passers-by reported discovering the scene of
the accident shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday.
Nathan J. Gottschalk, 21, was declared dead at the scene, Harbin said.

Harbin said Gottschalk was southbound on 220th Avenue when he lost control of the pickup he was driving. The vehicle crossed the road and entered a field on the east side, where it overturned. Gottschalk, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown out of the cab, Harbin said.

The circumstances of the accident remain under investigation because Gottschalk's whereabouts for nearly three hours before the discovery of the accident are still unknown, Harbin said.

"He was last seen about 11 p.m. at his residence in Hays," Harbin said.

Gottschalk had worked on a pulling unit for Murphin Drilling for about a year. Alan Hays, superintendent of well service for Murphin Drillling, was Gottschalk's supervisor. Hays remembers Gottschalk fondly and said his death comes as a shock to his co-workers.

"He was a very likable, very friendly person," Hays said. "He was an extremely hard worker. Anything you asked him to do, he would do it an never question you. Never questioned you about anything. He was an allaround good kid."

Hays also noted Gottschalk's fondness for playing baseball. "He had a passion for baseball," Hays said.