Preliminary autopsy results indicate the Bernhard Rietmann, 84, died from hypothermia and exposure to the elements.
On behalf of the Teton County Coroner’s office Dr. Lars Conway, a pathologist, conducted the autopsy. That autopsy showed no signs of serious trauma or that a cardiovascular incident occurred. Therefore, Dr. Conway determined in all probability that Mr. Rietmann passed away as a result of exposure to the weather and that he lacked the necessary food and water to aide in his survival. The time of death will be determined at a later date and will be included in the final autopsy report.
Bernhard Rietmann’s body was found just before 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 29th in the Boulder Creek area of the Gros Ventre Wilderness after an extensive, multi-day search and rescue effort. Bernhard Rietmann, a Wilson Wyoming resident was originally reported missing on the evening of Wednesday, September 23rd when he did not return from what was planned as a day-long hunting excursion.
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