Hypothermia caused the death of a Rock Springs man whose body was found about 17 miles north of Green River on December 31.
Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell and County Coroner Dale Majhanovich said the finding was the result of an autopsy performed on January 3 in Loveland, Colorado, on the body of 18-year-old Vernon Johnson.
Accompanied by two 17-year-old girls, Johnson rolled the 1994 Oldsmobile he was driving on the 14-Mile Road near Alkali Creek late on the night of December 30. The three left the vehicle and attempted to walk out of the area throughout the night and early the next morning. Officials said one of the girls had a coat, and the others had none. After walking about 3½ miles in the dark, they took what shelter they could in a draw not far from the intersection of the 14-Mile Road and the Blue Rim Road. The two girls slept briefly while Johnson watched over them; later, Johnson slept and was awakened by the teens around sunrise. They were able to help him to his feet, but he collapsed and could not be revived.
The two girls returned to the road were picked up by a passing driver, who notified authorities. A search was initiated and Johnson’s body was found in the draw about ¾ of a mile from the intersection of the Blue Rim and 14-Mile Roads around 10:00 AM.
Foul play is not suspected in Johnson’s death, nor is alcohol believed to have been a factor.
Majhanovich noted that the temperature in the area dropped to below 20 degrees Farhenheit that night. Haskell said the cause of the crash continues to be investigated.
Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell and County Coroner Dale Majhanovich said the finding was the result of an autopsy performed on January 3 in Loveland, Colorado, on the body of 18-year-old Vernon Johnson.
Accompanied by two 17-year-old girls, Johnson rolled the 1994 Oldsmobile he was driving on the 14-Mile Road near Alkali Creek late on the night of December 30. The three left the vehicle and attempted to walk out of the area throughout the night and early the next morning. Officials said one of the girls had a coat, and the others had none. After walking about 3½ miles in the dark, they took what shelter they could in a draw not far from the intersection of the 14-Mile Road and the Blue Rim Road. The two girls slept briefly while Johnson watched over them; later, Johnson slept and was awakened by the teens around sunrise. They were able to help him to his feet, but he collapsed and could not be revived.
The two girls returned to the road were picked up by a passing driver, who notified authorities. A search was initiated and Johnson’s body was found in the draw about ¾ of a mile from the intersection of the Blue Rim and 14-Mile Roads around 10:00 AM.
Foul play is not suspected in Johnson’s death, nor is alcohol believed to have been a factor.
Majhanovich noted that the temperature in the area dropped to below 20 degrees Farhenheit that night. Haskell said the cause of the crash continues to be investigated.
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