A missing Newburgh man was found dead under his house on Thursday evening, according to the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
Family members called police after they were unable to find the 73-year-old at the home where he lived alone.
Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary in the home, and the man’s personal effects were there, but there was evidence that he may have been missing for several days, the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
While searching the property, deputies found what the sheriff’s office described as a small shed built along the home. Inside they found the missing man’s body.
The sheriff’s office said it appeared that the door closed and latched behind him after he went inside to reach frozen pipes, and because he had poor mobility he was trapped inside, under the home, and died from exposure to the cold.
“We are all facing difficult weather conditions and very cold temperatures,” the sheriff’s office said. “If you are in need of help with heating or other issues in your home, please reach out. If you have a neighbor or know of someone who might need a hand, don’t hesitate to offer assistance, your help could save a life.”
