Man, 67, Dies Of Hypothermia After Falling Into Creek

WILMINGTON, IL — Wilmington police say a 67-year-old man found dead of hypothermia in Deer Creek had likely been there some time. Police said the man, identified as Melvin D. Von Kaenel, was discovered Wednesday evening when officers responded to the 1500 block of Charlotte Street to check on a vehicle that had run off the road.

Von Kaenel's 2005 GMC SUV was found unoccupied, leaning against a concrete bridge support. Officers searching the area spotted Von Kaenel lying in the creek and called for an ambulance before realizing Von Kaenel had been dead for some time.

While police were on the scene, Von Kaenel's family reported him missing, saying he had left his home around 10 p.m. Tuesday and had not returned.

Police believe Von Kaenel's vehicle had gotten stuck at a dead end, and that after getting out of the SUV and starting to walk, the 67-year-old fell down the embankment into the creek, WJOL reported.

Police said there were no signs of foul play, according to WGN.

Although toxicology results are still pending, Von Kaenel's cause of death appears to be hypothermima, according to police.