Missing Iowa trucker David Schultz died from meth, hypothermia, death certificate shows

David Schultz, a northwest Iowa trucker who was missing for five months and whose body was found in a field, died from hypothermia and methamphetamine intoxication, according to a death certificate obtained by the Sioux City Journal.

Investigators from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said Thursday Schultz's death was not a homicide but declined to provide more details. A Friday news release from Sac County Attorney Ben Smith confirmed the newspaper's findings.

The medical examiner listed in the injury line: “ingested drug and exposed to environmental cold," the Sioux City Journal reported. It dropped to about 25 degrees the night he was reported missing, according to AccuWeather.

Evidence shows Schultz had been driving for 30 hours with little to no rest, "motivated to support his business and young family," Smith said. It's believed Schultz suffered a medical emergency from the combination of sleep deprivation and drug use, which caused him to abandon his truck and die from exposure in the field where he was later found, Smith said.

"It is clear from the evidence gathered at the scene and the body's state of decomposition that Schultz had been in the field for months," he said.

Schultz, a 53-year-old father of two, was first reported missing by his wife on Nov. 21. His truck was discovered abandoned on a rural highway near Sac City in northwest Iowa. In it was Schultz's phone and wallet. His jacket was on the side of the road and Schultz's truck was still filled with the piglets he was transporting.

Hundreds of volunteers subsequently searched for Schultz after his disappearance and rewards were offered for information on his whereabouts. His body was found in a field about a half mile from his truck on April 24.

Smith said was found supine in shin-height cornstalks and the farmer who discovered him did not see him until he was 13 meters away.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends during this difficult time," Smith said.

José Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Death certificate shows David Schultz died from meth, hypothermia