Found in South Tyrol

Man (73) died of hypothermia, not animal bites

The case of the man, who was found in a field near Bressanone/Brixen, remains a mystery.(Bild: stock.adobe.com - Joris Machholz)

A 73-year-old South Tyrolean man found in a field near Brixen on Monday did not die from animal bites as previously assumed, but from severe hypothermia. This was announced by the public prosecutor's office in Bolzano following an autopsy.

The bite injuries were "in any case rather superficial", the internet portal "stol.it" quoted the public prosecutor's office as saying on Wednesday evening. They had not affected "any vascular/nervous structures of significant vital importance".

Which animal inflicted the bites?
Nevertheless, one central question remained unanswered in the case: Which animal did the bite wounds on the man's body come from? The result of a DNA analysis was expected on Thursday. According to the investigators, a dog, the predatory wolf or a jackal could have been involved. The Carabinieri had already ruled out a violent crime.

The man from Feldthurns had been missing since Sunday. He died in hospital shortly after his discovery.