In a tragic incident, a Minnesota man was found deceased inside a chest freezer, seemingly having locked himself in while attempting to avoid police. Brandon Lee Buschman, 35, was discovered in the basement freezer of a Biwabik residence on June 26th after authorities responded to a 911 call. The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office confirmed no signs of trauma or injury.

According to a July 7th police statement, the freezer was an older model with an external latching mechanism, making it impossible to open from the inside. The freezer was not running when Buschman's body was found, and the house had been unoccupied since February. Buschman was reportedly last seen fleeing to the upper level of the home when police were in the vicinity. He had an outstanding warrant at the time.

Police discovered a metal rod, typically used for lawn ornaments, lodged between the freezer's gasket and edge, suggesting Buschman may have attempted to force the freezer open from within. St. Louis County records indicate Buschman had nine prior misdemeanor convictions, ranging from trespassing to theft.

While the exact timeline of events remains unclear, investigators are working to determine when Buschman was last seen alive. A toxicology report from the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office is anticipated in the coming weeks.