TOWN OF BLACK WOLF, WI (WTAQ) – The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office says the search for a missing man in the Black Wolf area has come to a sad conclusion.
Deputies found the body of 24 -year old Austin Cottrell this morning (MON).
His last known location was in the area of Stonewood Court, in the Town of Black Wolf, on Sunday around midnight.
Authorities do not believe the death is suspicious.
Below is the statement from the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office:
On 12/15/2019 around 12:30pm, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office became aware of a missing man, Austin Cottrell, age 24, who was last seen in the Town of Black Wolf. It was believed that Mr. Cottrell was last seen on foot early during the early morning hours of 12/15/2019. Because of the overnight cold temperatures reaching single digits, coupled with the fact that it was believed thatMr. Cottrell was inadequately dressed for the elements, a Missing Person investigation began, and an extensive search occurred on 12/15/2019.
In addition to our Deputies, to include a K9, the search on 12/15/19 included the Oshkosh Police Department Drone Team, Wisconsin State Patrol Drone Team,Van Dyne Fire Department and First Responders, Town of Nekimi Fire Department, Town of Utica Fire Department, Oshkosh Fire Department, Theda Star Air Medical, Wisconsin Emergency Management Drone Unit, and a USCoast Guard air unit. The search on 12/15/19 concluded around midnight.
On 12/16/19, while we were in the process of gathering multiple additional resources to resume searching, Deputies in the area began searching again themselves. Sadly, the body of Mr. Cottrell was recovered this morning by Deputies in the Town of Black Wolf. At this time, there is nothing suspicious about his death, but the investigation will not be complete until the official autopsy reports are available.
