City police are investigating the death of an Oneonta man as likely caused by an overdose of illegal drugs.

Matthew P. Hill, 45, of 1A Orchard St., was found dead at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday but had died several days before, according to Oneonta Police Department Lt. Douglas Brenner.

A family member who hadn’t heard from Hill went to check on him, then called Emergency 911 for help, according to Brenner, who said authorities responded to find a person down and not breathing.

Brenner said a coroner was at the scene and Hill’s body has been sent to a hospital for an autopsy.

Hill had a needle in his hand and a tourniquet on, an indication of heroin use, Brenner said. An investigation is continuing and toxicology results are pending to determine the cause of death, the lieutenant said.

City police had arrested Hill on a felony drug possession charge Aug. 18 after an investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking. After a search warrant was served, police confiscated 78 bags of heroin and cash.