The Hudson, Wis., Police Department and St. Croix County Medical Examiner’s Office have completed their investigation into the cause of death of Hai Nguyen, whose body was pulled from the St. Croix River last week.
Nguyen, 31, of River Falls, died as the result of freshwater drowning — suicide, said Det. Kyle Knepler of the Hudson Police Department.
Nguyen, who had been missing since March 3, was found on April 19. He was last seen traveling west on Buckeye Street near First Street in downtown Hudson around 9:25 p.m. His car was found parked downtown along with his keys, wallet and cellphone.
Nguyen had a history of depression and paranoia, according to the missing-person crime alert issued by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on March 24.
Nguyen, who grew up in New Richmond, loved attending New Richmond Chamber of Commerce events and spoke six languages, friends said.
His funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home in New Richmond, with visitation from 2 to 4 p.m.
“Our hearts go out to the family,” Knepler said. “This has been a long process with them. We are happy there is some type of closure. We want to thank Northstar Search and Rescue and Wings of Hope for all their help. They were just a huge asset.”
