Authorities in Imperial County, California, are investigating the suspicious death of Lewis Jefferson, who was a 21-year-old member of the Quechan Nation.

Jefferson's body was found on railroad tracks near the reservation on November 26. He apparently was struck by a train.

Family and friends, however, believe Jefferson was the victim of a homicide. He was a well-known traditional singer and was running for a tribal council seat.

"I'm saddened and the Quechan Nation lost a great leader here," American Indian Movement activist Dennis Banks, who met Jefferson during the Longest Walk 2, told The Yuma Sun.

Jefferson reportedly used his cell phone to call a friend shortly before his death.

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Questions raised about tribal singer's death (The Yuma Sun 12/5)