FedEx worker found dead outside in Illinois city

CHICAGO – A FedEx worker has been found dead outside in a western Illinois city that has been experiencing record low temperatures, and authorities are investigating if the extreme cold played a factor in his death.

Police say a colleague found the body of 69-year-old William L. Murphy between two semitrailers at the delivery company’s East Moline facility Thursday morning, when Moline hit a record low of minus 33 degrees (-36 Celsius).

Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson says Murphy’s death “appears to be medical or natural” and that an autopsy scheduled for Monday will determine if the frigid temperature played a role.

FedEx Corp. said in a statement that the company is saddened and working with local authorities as they investigate.