–A Kossuth County man is recovering from hypothermia after getting stuck in the extreme cold for over nine hours Tuesday morning.
According to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies received a 911 call just after 9:15 AM Tuesday, reporting that a man was passed out inside of a vehicle that was stuck in a snow drift on 230th Street, just west of County Road P30. Deputies had to call the Kossuth County Road Department so a plow could be dispatched to clear the drift off the roadway.
Once they were able to reach the stranded motorist, identified as 43-year-old Michael Riggert of rural Algona, Deputies placed him in another vehicle and transported him to the county blacktop, where they were met by Algona EMS. Riggert was taken to Kossuth Regional Health Center where he was treated for severe hypothermia and low glucose levels. He was expected to be released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon.
A brief investigation determined that Riggert left his home with the family dog shortly after midnight, eventually becoming stuck in a snow drift. At that time, Riggert exited the vehicle and attempted to scoop it out. While he was outside the vehicle, his dog accidentally locked the door, stranding Riggert outside. He eventually broke a window to regain entry, and stayed inside to wait until assistance could get to him.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by members of Riggert’s family, Algona EMS, the Kossuth County Road Department and the Iowa State Patrol.
