Chief Nicholas Brinker of the Wisconsin Dells Police Department insists his department is still seeking answers in the death of Matthew Haas even though preliminary findings suggest no foul play was involved.
“I stress that even though Matthew has been found, this is still an active investigation, and we are still following up on information and leads that we have received,” Brinker said in a Jan. 3 press release posted to Facebook.
Investigators pulled Haas’ body from the Wisconsin River at approximately 10:20 a.m. on the morning of Jan. 3, after Wisconsin Dells police received a welfare check request related to him approximately 48 hours earlier. Authorities noted that his body has been turned over to the corner and that foul play is not suspected at this time.
On Jan. 1, officers established that Haas had not been heard from since approximately midnight that same day, prompting police to start an investigation; the initial press release concerning the incident said. Details released described him and possibly identified the clothing he was last seen in, and also called attention to his unique tattoos.
With the early part of the investigation establishing that Haas was last seen in the downtown area of Wisconsin Dells, officers began a search of the area that same day which lasted until it became too dark and dangerous to continue searching.
The search was resumed the following day and ultimately stretched past 24 hours. Cell phone data, foot searches, a police K9 and drone technology were all used in the effort.
