Death Caused By Hypothermia

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.