WATFORD CITY, N.D. (KFGO) – Watford City police continue an investigation involving a man who was found dead outside last Thursday.
Police and investigators responded to the 300 block of 25th Avenue NE around 2 p.m. after receiving a call about a deceased male near a driveway and sidewalk. Officers identified the male as Vaughn Beck Bloxham, 60, from Watford City.
Officers had contact with Bloxham Wednesday evening when he called 911 for help after his vehicle became stuck in the snow and ran out of gas in a different area of town. Watford City officers and a member of the public works department worked for over 90 minutes to rescue Bloxham who was eventually able to walk from his vehicle to a city snowplow and then an officer.
Bloxham was given a ride to his area of residence by officers, but they were unable to get all the way to his residence due to snow blocking the way.
Officers offered to take Bloxham to a hotel or the city storm shelter, but he refused and asked to be dropped off around nine blocks from his residence. He was one block away from his residence when he was found.
The cause of Bloxham’s death is unknown, and investigators are currently awaiting results from the North Dakota State Crime Lab. Foul play is not suspected.
Investigators are investigating whether the severe snowstorm and other weather conditions were a cause of Bloxham’s death.
On Thursday morning, a 73-year-old woman was found dead near downtown Minot. Police said the woman “was not adequately dressed for the weather” and her body was found in the snow near the post office.
Police say the woman may have been dealing with mental health issues. A crime is not suspected in the death.
