Man Found in Creek After Bills Game Identified
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: November 16, 2012
Police have identified the man found dead after Thursday night's Buffalo Bills game.
He is 26-year-old David Gerken Jr. of Palmyra.
Gerken's body was discovered after a search of the area overnight and early Friday morning.
His body was found in the South Branch Smoke Creek that runs behind Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Police say Gerken was kicked out of the football game Thursday night around halftime.
They did not have information as to why the young man was ejected from the game.
Orchard Park Police said once he got kicked out of the game, Gerken made arrangements to meet his brother and a friend at the bar outside the stadium - Tailgaters.
Police said when Gerken didn't show up, his brother checked with a nearby fire department and then contacted police.
Orchard Park Police searched around the stadium for about 1 just after 12:30am
A search resumed in the morning with the Erie County Sheriff's helicopter and other ground crews.
Police said they found Gerken's body face down in the creek that was in the opposite direction of the bar he had planned to meet his group.
They said there was no apparent trauma to his body and the preliminary autopsy results showed that Gerken drowned and suffered hypothermia.
Police also said they could not tell if alcohol played a role, until complete autopsy results were back.
The Buffalo Bills Sr. Vice President of Communications released the following team statement today:
"We are deeply saddened to hear of this news this morning. While the loss of life is always tragic, the loss of a young life is even more so. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family. We are currently cooperating with law enforcement officials to find out the details of this unfortunate incident."
Police say they believe that this was an accident and have no reason to think there was foul play, but say if anyone has information to give them a call as they continue the investigation.
