Massachusetts

DA Determines Cause of Death for 20-Year-Old Man Who Went Missing After Party

Authorities have released the cause of death for a Massachusetts man whose body was found following a week-long search last month.

The Norfolk District Attorney's Office said 20-year-old Michael Doherty of Franklin died of hypothermia brought about by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Police do not believe foul play was involved, according to the district attorney's office.

"Our thoughts are very much with the Doherty family as they grieve Michael and live through this tragic time," Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a statement.

Doherty's body was found in a deeply wooded area between Phyllis Lane and Interstate 495 in Franklin on May 20.

The 2015 Xaverian Brothers High School graduate was last seen leaving a gathering of about 25 childhood friends in Franklin at 1:30 a.m. on May 14. He had just returned home from college at Duke University for summer break that week.

His parents reported him missing when he didn't return home from the party. His family said Doherty texted his brothers asking for a ride at 12:30 a.m., but they were already asleep. Doherty ultimately decided to walk roughly a mile to his home.

Local, state and regional law enforcement assisted in the nearly week-long search for Doherty.

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