Officials in Vilas County are investigating the death of a man found over the weekend frozen to the ground outside of his home. Deputies discovered the body of 49-year-old Wade Willey at about six on Saturday evening, 17 hours after he was last seen alive.
Officials believe Willey died of exposure to the extreme cold. They also believe alcohol may have contributed to his death by limiting his ability to safely get out of the subzero temperatures.
Willey lived in St. Germain, which is located just south of the Michigan border. The area recorded a low of -18 degrees on Saturday.
Affiliate WSAU contributed to this report.
