The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

January 14, 2008

Alcohol likely factor in man's death

NORTH MANKATO — North Mankato police say indications are that alcohol was a factor in the weekend death of a 22-year-old.

The body of Tony Lee Miller was discovered by a friend in Miller’s apartment at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Miller lived at Koppen Gardens, 615 Nicollet Ave.

The Koppen Gardens manager said Miller had been living in one of building’s handicapped-accessible units for about 2 1/2 years and was unemployed at the time of his death. Miller was a paraplegic and wheelchair-bound.

Police said an initial investigation indicated alcohol was a factor.

An autopsy was performed and authorities are awaiting toxicology reports, which should be back in about two weeks, said police Capt. Chris Boyer.

No foul play is suspected.

Miller graduated from Sibley East High School in 2003. He attended Ridgewater College in Hutchinson and South Central Technical College in North Mankato, earning a degree in medical coding.

This is the third death in recent months in the Mankato community involving young people and suspected or proven alcohol abuse.

Amanda Jax, 21, died of alcohol poisoning in October. Three weeks later, 22-year-old Rissa Amen-Reif was struck by a car and killed after she stumbled and fell in a street. Authorities said alcohol appeared to be a factor in her death.

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