Wis. woman, 93, found outside died of hypothermia

VERONA, Wis. (AP) — Authorities say a 93-year-old woman found dead outside an assisted living facility in Verona died of hypothermia from exposure to the cold.

The Dane County medical examiner's office identifies the woman as Edna Bierderman.

Preliminary autopsy results indicate Biederman's death was accidental.

Police say Biederman was found Friday morning near a sidewalk outside of the Four Winds Lodge, where she lived. Biederman was last seen inside the facility Thursday, but police say it's not clear when.

The Wisconsin State Journal (http://bit.ly/X0JNXv) reports investigators believe Biederman left the building on her own and succumbed to the cold. Foul play is not suspected.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which licenses assisted living facilities and nursing homes, is investigating.

Four Winds Lodge Administrator Lynn Howard declined comment.

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Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj