Autopsy Report Released On Michael Bender’s Death

Foul play has been ruled out in the death of a Casper man, who disappeared more than two months ago.

A coroner from Loveland, Colorado, says Michael Bender died as the result of an accidental drowning in the North Platte River.

The coroner adds that alcohol consumption was a probable factor in the 53-year-old's death.

Bender was reporting missing in December, but his body was not discovered until earlier this week.

Casper Police have ruled out any foul play or robbery in the case, as Bender's personal belongings were still on him when his body was recovered.

The report is preliminary, because investigators are still waiting for a toxicology report, which won't be available for a few weeks.