Tax deed property with potentially deceased owner

I'm interested in a piece of land scheduled for an upcoming tax deed auction and, in doing some research, I believe the owner (prior to the county assuming the tax deed) is deceased. In the county records I don't see any evidence that the county sent notices to anyone outside of the former owner. Any suggestions as to how to navigate this (check if it ever went through probate, if their are any heirs/beneficiaries that weren't notified and could potentially invalidate the sale, etc.)?