Trucker Found Dead in Iowa Field Died of Hypothermia and Methamphetamine Intoxication, Autopsy Confirms
ICARO Media Group
In a tragic turn of events, an Iowa truck driver, David Schultz, who mysteriously vanished last fall, was discovered deceased in a farm field this spring. According to the autopsy report, his cause of death was attributed to hypothermia resulting from acute methamphetamine intoxication. State medical examiner Dr. Kelly Kruse ruled Schultz's death as an accidental occurrence, dispelling any suspicions of foul play.
The Sioux City Journal reported that Schultz, a 53-year-old farmer, was found lifeless on April 24th in a Sac County field, approximately a quarter-mile away from where his semi-truck was parked in the middle of the road on November 21st. Dr. Kruse confirmed that Schultz had consumed methamphetamine and was subsequently exposed to frigid temperatures, exacerbating the effects of the drug. Despite an attempt to seek further information, Dr. Kruse did not immediately respond to an inquiry made by the Associated Press.
During the period when Schultz went missing, the region experienced plummeting temperatures below freezing point. On the night of November 20th, Schultz had departed from his home in Wall Lake with the intention of collecting a load of pigs from a hog confinement near Eagle Grove. His plan was to deliver the livestock to a livestock dealer in Sac City the following morning, roughly 90 miles northwest of Des Moines. However, worryingly, Schultz failed to appear at his designated destination, with no response on his phone.
Following his wife's report of his disappearance, law enforcement located Schultz's truck that same afternoon, a mere 10 miles northeast of his intended drop-off point. Remarkably, the pigs remained unattended within the trailer. Crucially, Schultz's wallet and phone were discovered inside the vehicle, while his jacket was found discarded on the roadside.
Despite an initial search conducted by authorities, which was later supplemented by the involvement of over 250 volunteers, Schultz's body remained elusive until the arrival of spring. The discovery of his deceased body has now provided some clarity to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The tragic demise of David Schultz has brought forth questions regarding the factors that led to his untimely death. It serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with substance abuse and the potential consequences it can have, particularly in adverse weather conditions. As the investigation progresses, authorities and medical professionals will strive to understand the full details surrounding this tragic event, providing closure for Schultz's grieving family and loved ones.