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Update: Investigation into Muscoda officer Kate Fleischauer's death complete; drowning ruled accidental

Nov 13, 2026, 9:04 PM•Dubuque, Iowa
UPDATE: Investigation into Muscoda officer Kate Fleischauer's death complete; drowning ruled accidental
LOCAL NEWS WIRE • November 13, 2026

The Grant County Sheriff's Office says the Oct. 18 death of off-duty Muscoda officer Kate Fleischauer was an accidental freshwater drowning, with acute alcohol and Benadryl intoxication as a contributing factor.

KEY FACTS & RECORD HIGHLIGHTS
  • The Grant County Sheriff's Office has completed its investigation into the death of off-duty Muscoda Police Officer Kate Fleischauer (reported by WGLR, Nov. 13, 2026).
  • Fleischauer, 27, died Oct. 18 at a private residence.
  • The Muscoda Police Department asked the sheriff's office to investigate the death.
  • At the coroner's request, an autopsy was conducted by a forensic pathologist at UW Hospital in Madison.
  • Based on the findings of the Grant County Coroner and the completed investigation, the death was ruled an accidental freshwater drowning, with acute alcohol and Benadryl intoxication as a contributing factor.
  • No further information will be released, the sheriff's office said.
  • Grant County Sheriff Nate Dreckman: "We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out, checked in, and supported the Fleischauer family and the many agencies and communities affected by this loss. Our thoughts remain with Officer Fleischauer's family and loved ones. She was a valued and respected member of the law enforcement community, and her service and dedication will not be forgotten."
  • Fleischauer was found in an indoor pool Oct. 18, according to the earlier report.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office has completed its investigation into the death of off-duty Muscoda Police Officer Kate Fleischauer, WGLR reports. Fleischauer, 27, died Oct. 18. The Muscoda Police Department asked the sheriff's office to investigate the death, which happened at a private residence. At the coroner's request, an autopsy was conducted by a forensic pathologist at UW Hospital in Madison. Based on the findings of the Grant County Coroner and the completed investigation, the death was ruled an accidental freshwater drowning, with acute alcohol and Benadryl intoxication as a contributing factor. No further information will be released, the sheriff's office said. Grant County Sheriff Nate Dreckman said, "We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out, checked in, and supported the Fleischauer family and the many agencies and communities affected by this loss. Our thoughts remain with Officer Fleischauer's family and loved ones. She was a valued and respected member of the law enforcement community, and her service and dedication will not be forgotten." Fleischauer was found in an indoor pool Oct. 18, according to the earlier report.
Official Attribution: Official Public Record

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