MANITOWOC (NBC 26) -- Authorities said a preexisting medical condition may have been a factor in a fatal river crash Friday night.
The crash happened near Maritime Drive when 26-year-old Jeffrey Pagel of Manitowoc left the road, hitting a parked car and then ended up in the river. Kayakers in the area tried to help him, but the car sank. A responding officer also dove in to try and save him, but was unable due to the water's depth and clarity. Pagel was pronounced dead after the dive team pulled his vehicle from the river.
According to the Manitowoc County Coroner, an autopsy is scheduled for Monday at the Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner’s office. The results will take about 8 to 12 weeks.
The coroner said a preexisting medical condition may have contributed to this crash, which remains under investigation.
Drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be a factor in what authorities are calling an accident.