February 8, 2019

DONIPHAN — Ripley County authorities suspect a 62-year-old man died from hypothermia Thursday after crossing a flooded creek while walking home. The body of Charles Richard Engelken, 62, was found about 8:30 a.m. Friday in a field not far from his home. The man resided on a private road about three-fourths of a mile off Route K north of Doniphan...

Ron Smith Staff Writer

DONIPHAN — Ripley County authorities suspect a 62-year-old man died from hypothermia Thursday after crossing a flooded creek while walking home.

The body of Charles Richard Engelken, 62, was found about 8:30 a.m. Friday in a field not far from his home. The man resided on a private road about three-fourths of a mile off Route K north of Doniphan.

“It doesn’t appear at this point there was any foul play,” said Ripley County coroner Mike Jackson. “Preliminarily, we’re looking at hypothermia as a possible cause of death.”

Jackson said the man reportedly had health problems that also may have played a factor.

Deputy Earl Wheetley with the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department said Engelken was last seen about 2 p.m. Thursday.

“A friend was driving him home and let him out at the creek. He was going to walk to a shallow spot to cross so he could get home,” the deputy said.

Heavy rains Thursday morning caused local flooding. Temperatures dropped throughout the day and evening from the upper 60s to an overnight low in the teens.

Wheetley said the body was found across the creek about 200 yards from where he had exited the vehicle. His clothing and coat had been wet and were frozen.

“He was carrying a hunting rifle and it was found between the creek and where he was found,” the deputy said.

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