The death of junior Michael Doherty, who had been missing for nearly one week near his Franklin, Mass. home, was ruled accidental by Massachusetts state authorities Friday.
The body of Doherty, a student in the Pratt School of Engineering, was recovered on May 20, according to the a post on the Franklin Police Department Facebook page. Doherty was originally reported missing on May 14 after leaving a party late Saturday night to walk a mile home. He was possibly attempting to take a shortcut home. A report by CBS Boston noted that the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Doherty's death to be due to “hypothermia brought about by prolonged exposure to atmospheric cold.”
“We find no evidence of foul play in Mr. Doherty’s death,” said Michael Morrissey, Norfolk County District Attorney, in a statement Friday. “Our thoughts are very much with the Doherty family as they grieve Michael and live through this tragic time.”
On campus, Doherty was a member of Duke's chapter of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He was remembered by friends and professors for his kindness and positivity.
Franklin, Mass. overnight temperatures ranged from the 40s and 50s during the week of Doherty's death, according to a report by the Boston Globe. About 100 individuals searched for the junior before his body was found in a wooded area about a quarter-mile from the party.
"We all wish the result of that effort had been different," Morrissey said.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.