Autopsy: UW-La Crosse student died of hypothermia

Division of Criminal Investigation assists with investigation

ONALASKA, Wis. — An autopsy found a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse student found dead in a ditch had a preliminary blood-alcohol level of 0.21 percent.

La Crosse County Medical Examiner John Steers said the autopsy, done Tuesday in Madison, found 23-year-old Neala Frye died of hypothermia.

An Onalaska police officer found Frye’s body Sunday night.

Frye was last seen at a local pub Saturday night, where she and another woman were working a promotional event for a tanning and massage studio. When Frye failed to show up for work Sunday morning, friends and family began to search for her.

Onalaska Police Chief Jeff Trotnic said police don’t suspect foul play but called in the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation for help.

Police said they’re not sure how Frye, who graduated from Evansville High School in 2007, ended up in the marshy area where her body was found.

The La Crosse Tribune reported final toxicology reports could take weeks.