Final autopsy results released following an investigation into the off-duty death of Muscoda Police Officer Kate Fleischauer
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has released final autopsy results following an investigation into the off-duty death of Muscoda Police Officer Kate Fleischauer last month.
According to Grant County Coroner Phyllis Fuerstenberg, who received the final report from UW-Forensic Pathology on Friday, November 13. Officer Fleischauer’s death has been ruled an accident. The official cause of death was determined to be fresh water drowning in an indoor pool, with acute alcohol and diphenhydramine intoxication listed as contributing factors.
The incident began on October 18, when the Muscoda Police Department requested assistance from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office to investigate Officer Fleischauer’s death at a private residence. Following the coroner’s request, a forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy at UW-Hospital in Madison. The completion of the final report was held pending toxicology results and a comprehensive review of medical and investigative data.
In a statement released alongside the findings, Sheriff Craig Reukauf expressed gratitude to the public for their patience while the investigation was finalized, emphasizing Officer Fleischauer's meaningful contribution to local law enforcement.
“Officer Fleischauer was a valued and respected member of the Muscoda Police Department and the Grant County law enforcement community,” Sheriff Reukauf stated. “Our thoughts remain with Officer Fleischauer’s family, friends, colleagues, and the Muscoda community.”
Officials stated that following the conclusion of the investigation and the coroner's official findings, no further details will be released
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at [email protected].
