LINCOLN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — It’s a heartbreaking start to what is usually an exciting time of year for the Adkins family.

“We wish that no family has to go through something like this.” said Kayla Adkins.

On the opening day of Michigan’s firearms deer season, Friday, November 15, Gregg Adkins hunted for the last time.

“They found him on the ground. He was scheduled to return at 5:10 p.m. He never came back to meet his hunting buddies,” Kayla said.

Gregg Adkins, 57, of Lincoln Park, was hunting in Tuscola County and was found at the base of his tree stand.

Tragically, he is one of at least three Michigan deer hunters who have died within the first week of firearms deer hunting season.

The Adkins family said they still don’t know exactly what killed Gregg. Doctors have told them it may have been a blood clot or a partial heart attack.

“He was physically active, he always went to the doctor,” Kayla said, emphasizing how physically fit her father was.

Authorities say the other two men, ages 65 and 83, tried to drag away heavy animals and died of heart attacks.

7 News Detroit reached out to Dr. Chadi Alraies, a cardiologist at DMC Heart Hospital, to get his advice for hunters.

He said anyone who goes hunting should condition themselves by starting an exercise program or at least walking for an hour four to five days a week.

He also said it is imperative to see a doctor and be aware of any medical predispositions that put you at risk.

“Especially if the hunters are smokers, they are at higher risk of heart disease.” said Dr. Alraies. “Secondly, obesity is another risk factor, and thirdly, the most common or dangerous is genetic predisposition, that is, heart disease runs in the family.”

One last tip from Dr. Alraies?

Always make sure someone knows where you are hunting and that there is a way to contact you.

As the Adkins family awaits Gregg’s autopsy results, they say they are grateful he always had a hunting buddy.

Someone who looks out for the man who has always looked out for others.

“He loved his family more than anything and his grandchildren more than anything.” said Gregg’s wife, Candace Adkins.