On November 12th, 2018, at about 4:13 p.m., Medford Police responded to a male who was found deceased in an irrigation ditch, near Biddle Road and Stevens Street. The male was identified as Ryan Michael Snyder, 39 years old. 

The scene initially looked suspicious and investigators treated the case as a homicide until proven otherwise. On 111418, at 9:30 a.m., an autopsy of Snyder was conducted by Dr. Olson, Deputy State Medical Examiner. The autopsy determined the manner of death to be ACCIDENTAL. 

The exact cause of death remains under investigation, but Dr. Olson noticed hypothermic changes to the body. Dr. Olsen is awaiting results of toxicology to determine the exact cause. There was no evidence of homicidal violence. Investigators noted the low temperature the previous evening to be 25 degrees, and believed he was out in the elements with light clothing during that time period.