Stillwater Man, 20, Walked Alone Before Death: Sheriff's Office

STILLWATER, MN — The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office formally identified the body found Sunday night in Baytown Township as missing Stillwater man George Musser. Authorities say Musser was recorded on video walking alone before he died.

The 20-year-old was reported missing after he left Brian's Bar & Grill on Main Street in downtown Stillwater just after 2 a.m. on Saturday. Temperatures in the area were below zero at the time, investigators said.

Musser left the bar alone wearing only a flannel shirt, jeans, stocking cap, and shoes, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

"A progression of video footage from traffic and surveillance cameras tracked an individual matching Musser's description as he traveled alone and on foot, leading from downtown Stillwater towards the area where his body was ultimately located," the sheriff's office said.

"Preliminary evidence indicates Musser died as a result of cold weather exposure, however the official cause and manner of death remains pending toxicology results which could take up to 60 days to complete."

Following a massive, community-wide search, authorities found Musser's body just after 7 p.m. on Sunday near the 5400 block of Osgood Avenue North.

Musser's car was found parked near the bar he was at back in Stillwater. Musser's wallet was found outside a different restaurant close by, and his keys were found near a dumpster, the Star Tribune reported.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office and Stillwater Police Department continue to investigate Musser's death.

Emily Dalbec, Musser’s relative, wrote in a Facebook post that "I am heartbroken to share that the police have found his body."

"Please pray for our family. Thank you to everyone who searched, shared, and prayed. We are forever grateful for your support."

Friends and loved ones held a candle-lit vigil Monday night in front of the Stillwater Lift Bridge to honor Musser. Members of his graduating class from Stillwater Area High School raised a banner for him downtown.

Musser was attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.