MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — The Warren County Coroner's Office said it's "considering hypothermia" as the cause of death of a woman found at Fenwick High School on Wednesday.
Waltraut Lafferty, 80, was found by teachers and staff in the grass by the southwest side of the building. Police believe she may have wandered off around 2 a.m. from her residence on Fisher Road, which is near the school. Lafferty was found wearing night clothes and socks, clothing that wasn't suitable for the single-digit temperatures.
"There were no significant injuries discovered and hypothermia is being considered at this time, pending further testing," Chief Investigator of the Warren County Coroner's Office Michael DeBorde said in a press release.
Middletown Police Chief David Birk said police were called about 7:40 a.m. after teachers and staff arrived at school and found the body. He said buses and students were redirected to avoid the location where the body was found. He said no foul play was suspected in her death
He said the freezing temperatures may have confused her as hypothermia set in.
“This is a very sad situation and people need to check on their family and friends during this type of weather,” Birk said.
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