COLUMBIA STATION, Ohio -- Exotic-animal owner Sam Mazzola was found dead in his Columbia Station home Sunday, "bound to the bed with handcuffs, chains and padlocks," said Lorain County Deputy Coroner Frank Miller. Miller said Mazzola was facedown with a sex toy in his mouth.

Miller said he will not make a final ruling on the cause of death until the county sheriff's office has completed its investigation. He said it appeared Mazzola, 49, died from an "accident during sexual role play."

Miller said a companion was with Mazzola at the time of his death.

In a phone interview Monday, sheriff's Detective Mike Lopez, who is investigating the death, was asked by The Plain Dealer if there was anything strange or suspicious found at the scene of Mazzola's death. Lopez said no.

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On Tuesday, after initial media reports came out about the circumstances related to Mazzola's death, Lopez still maintained he "didn't feel it was suspicious."

The detective was no more forthcoming about what was found. "We will have to wait for the final report," he said.

Mazzola had heart disease, obesity and chronic back pain, said Miller. Drug and alcohol test results should be back next week, he said.

For years Mazzola has been in the news for the treatment of his animals. The USDA, in 2009, fined Mazzola over $13,000 and permanently cancelled his federal license to sell or exhibit exotic animals.

In August 2010, one of Mazzola's bears mauled and killed Brent Kandra, 24, after Kandra opened the bear's enclosure for a feeding. Kandra had worked with the animals for six years.