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A Palmer man last seen early Wednesday was found dead of apparent exposure in a wooded area later that evening, in what local police say may be an alcohol-involved incident.
Palmer Police Cmdr. Lance Ketterling says William B. Oryall, 21, was last seen alive at about 3 a.m. Wednesday. He was reported missing by friends at about 6:15 p.m., and police launched a search in conjunction with concerned citizens and search and rescue volunteers.
Oryall's body was found at 9:56 p.m., near the intersection of South Valley Way and East Cottonwood Avenue. No vehicle associated with him was located in the area.
"He was on foot," Ketterling said.
Police Chief Thomas Remaley says Oryall was believed to be walking several blocks to his home, in Felzien's Mobile Court and Apartments at 350 E. Birch Ave., from South Colony Way where three of the town's five bars are located. Remaley says Oryall's body was found within 200 yards of the bars on South Colony Way.
"He probably only had that far or less (to go) to get home," Remaley said. "He just didn't get there."
While police believe Oryall died of exposure, the case remains under investigation and the state medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine his cause of death. No foul play is suspected, but alcohol may have been a factor.
Oryall's next of kin have been notified.
Contact Chris Klint