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Student Found Dead After Walking in Sub-Zero Cold
26 Jan
Summary
- College student vanished for over 15 hours in frigid temperatures.
- Victim was last seen wearing only a t-shirt and jeans.
- Authorities suspect no foul play; cause of death is under investigation.
Lucas Mattson, a 19-year-old University of Michigan student, was discovered deceased on Saturday in Ann Arbor, approximately 15 hours after he was last seen. He had vanished while walking alone in extreme cold, with temperatures plummeting to 0F on Friday night.
Mattson was last observed around 1 am on Friday wearing just a t-shirt and jeans. His disappearance was reported at 4:30 pm that day. Despite an overnight search by police, he was not located until his body was found less than half a mile from where he was last seen.
Ann Arbor Police reported no obvious signs of trauma, and foul play is not currently suspected. The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death. The University of Michigan expressed deep sadness and offered support resources to its community.
This incident occurs as a lawsuit related to the death of another college student, Riley Strain, is proceeding in court. Strain went missing in Nashville, Tennessee, in March 2024 while intoxicated during a fraternity trip.
