KOSSUTH COUNTY – Authorities in Kossuth County have identified a North Iowa man following a death investigation that took place near Ledyard on March 31, 2026. The incident began late Tuesday morning when the Kossuth County Law Enforcement Center received a 911 call at approximately 11:13 a.m. regarding a person down with an unknown medical emergency. The call originated from a residence located at 1707 460th Street, prompting an immediate response from local emergency crews.
Upon arrival at the scene, first responders and Kossuth County EMS determined that the individual was deceased. While the initial report suggested a medical emergency, investigators quickly discovered the individual had suffered a gunshot wound. Deputies from the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office arrived shortly after to secure the area and initiate a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Following an assessment of the evidence collected at the scene, the Kossuth County Medical Examiner’s Office and sheriff’s deputies determined that the gunshot wound was self-inflicted. The deceased has been identified as 46-year-old Wade Willis Mueller of Lakota. Officials have announced that an autopsy will be performed at the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny to provide a final confirmation of the cause of death.
The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the response and subsequent investigation on March 31, 2026, by Kossuth County EMS, Ledyard First Responders, and the Kossuth County Medical Examiner’s Office. No further details regarding the incident are expected to be released at this time.
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