George Musser, a 20-year-old college student from Stillwater, Minnesota, was reported missing on December 24, 2022, after he left a bar in downtown Stillwater around 2:10 a.m. His body was found on Sunday evening, December 25, in Baytown Township, near Osgood Avenue. According to the authorities, the preliminary evidence shows that Musser died of cold weather exposure, but the official cause and manner of death are still pending toxicology results. This article will explore what happened to George Musser and how he succumbed to the extreme cold.
Contents
The Last Night of George Musser
George Musser was last seen alive at Brian’s Bar & Grill in downtown Stillwater, where he had gone with some friends on Friday night. According to one of his friends, Ally McKay, Musser came up to their booth around 1:30 a.m. and chatted with them for a while. He then said he had to go to the bathroom and never returned. McKay said they looked for him at the bar close, but the staff was persistent that everyone get out, so they left and assumed that he had found his way home.
However, Musser did not go home that night. His wallet and keys were found near the bar, and his car was still parked in the lot. He was wearing a gray flannel shirt, jeans, a black hat, and shoes. He did not have a jacket on, despite the subzero temperatures that night. According to Stillwater Police Chief Brian Mueller, Musser walked alone and on foot from downtown Stillwater towards the area where his body was later found. Mueller said he did not know where Musser was going or what his intentions were, but added that the route he took was not really on his way back home.
The Search for George Musser
Musser’s family reported him missing on Saturday morning, December 24, after they realized he had not come home. They contacted the police and asked for public assistance in finding him. They also organized a community-led search party on Sunday morning, December 25, which involved over 200 people who gathered at a local church and combed through the nearby areas. Musser’s cousin, Emily Dalbec, said they were preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.
Unfortunately, their worst fears came true when Musser’s body was discovered on Sunday evening by a resident who was walking his dog in Baytown Township. The body was located in a wooded area near Osgood Avenue, about four miles away from where he was last seen. The police confirmed that it was Musser and notified his family.
The Cause of Death of George Musser
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on Musser’s body and formally identified him. The office said that the preliminary evidence showed that he died as a result of cold weather exposure, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. However, the official cause and manner of death are still pending toxicology results, which could take up to 60 days to complete.
The sheriff’s office said there was no sign of foul play or trauma on Musser’s body, but the investigation is still ongoing. The police are working with Stillwater police to review video footage from traffic and surveillance cameras that tracked Musser’s movements that night. They are also trying to determine if Musser had any medical conditions or substances in his system that could have contributed to his death.
The Impact of George Musser’s Death
George Musser’s death has shocked and saddened his family, friends, and community. He was described as a kind, funny, smart, and adventurous young man who loved music, sports, and traveling. He was a sophomore at St. Cloud State University, where he studied business management. He had plans to study abroad in Spain next semester.
Musser’s family and friends held a candlelight vigil on Monday night, December 26, at Lowell Park in Stillwater to commemorate his life. They shared memories of him and expressed their grief and love for him. They also thanked everyone who helped in the search for him and supported them during this difficult time.
Musser’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 30, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Stillwater. His obituary said he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
