Crime & Safety

Investigation of Joey Frase Death Concludes Confusion and Hypothermia

Grayslake's Joey Frase, whose body was found frozen to death near Campbell Airport two days after leaving a party on Jan. 19, became confused and lost as he tried to walk home in the frigid temperatures, according to the death investigation.

The investigation into the death of 20-year-old Joey Frase of Grayslake was concluded this week.

Frase's body was discovered by volunteer searchers the morning of Jan. 22 near Campbell Airport a couple days after he went missing from a party in Round Lake's Madrona Village. The official cause of death was hypothermia, according to Lake County Coroner Thomas Rudd.

Given the sub-zero wind chills in those overnight hours, and the fact that Frase was wearing only a hoodie and not a winter coat, "exposure can take you very fast," Rudd told Patch. Rudd also reported that Frase's blood-alcohol content was .09, just over the legal driving limit of .08.

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Toxicology tests for hallucinogens came back negative, reported the Daily Herald.

Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko told the Daily Herald that on the night of Jan. 19, Frase walked from his Grayslake home to meet friends at bar downtown. Friends later called two taxis to drive them to another friend's home in Round Lake's Madrona Village for a birthday party. Frase reportedly left the party after a short time then became confused along the path leading back to his own home, according to the Daily Herald.

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Frase also had a cell phone conversation with a friend at about 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 20 after he left the party, telling them he was cold and lost.

When Frase's body was found in the brush near Campbell Airport the morning of Jan. 22, his jeans were frozen and his t-shirt had a water line halfway up the chest, meaning he had gotten wet at some point, reported the Lake County News-Sun.

After Frase was determined to be missing, a Facebook page was created to help locate him. To date, the page has received more than 2,300 "Likes" and has served as a way for family, friends and community members to express their grief and condolences.

Related:

Obituary: Joseph "Joey" Frase

Hypothermia Official Cause of Joey Frase Death

UPDATED: Body of Missing Grayslake Man Found Reports Family

Candlelight Vigil Held for Joey Frase

Share Your Memories of Joey Frase


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