MPD continues investigation on UI student death
An autopsy confirmed 18-year-old Joseph Wiederrick, a University of Idaho freshman, died of hypothermia Jan. 20.
Wiederrick’s body was discovered Monday afternoon after being reported missing by his roommate Jan. 20 when he did not return to the Theophilus Tower.
Moscow Chief of Police David Duke said the police are following up with UI and Sigma Alpha Epsilon — the fraternity at which Wiederrick attended a party before going missing — to determine what went on that night and if there is any criminal activity they need to pursue.
Duke said before Wiederrick was discovered, the Latah County Search and Rescue Ground Team was made aware that someone matching his description had attempted to enter through a back door of the caller’s house.
“He was told by the home owner by waving (their) arms to go to the front and then to go across the street to get help,” Duke said.
He said Wiederrick then walked a few hundred yards before jumping a fence and crossing Paradise Creek. Duke said Wiederrick then wandered back and fell in the river, where he pulled himself out and under the bridge seeking shelter.
Duke said Wiederrick’s roommate was also exhibiting the same disoriented symptoms that evening and had wandered south before returning north and to the Tower.
He said police are unsure if drugs were involved, but will know when the toxicology report comes back in a couple of weeks.
UI to host 9th year native food celebration
For the ninth year, the University of Idaho will host Taste of Nepal. The event celebrates native food and Nepali traditions. Attendees experience music, dance and culture during the event while learning about Nepal and sampling traditional dishes.
Taste of Nepal starts at 5 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Student Union Building ballroom. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for the public. Tickets can be purchased in the Idaho Commons or at the door.