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Autopsy: Packers coach's son drowned

Published Jan. 11, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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A preliminary autopsy shows that the son of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin drowned, Wisconsin police said Wednesday.

The body of 21-year-old Michael Philbin was pulled from the icy waters of the Fox River in Oshkosh, about 50 miles south of Green Bay, on Monday.

Police said the initial autopsy did not reveal any signs of foul play, adding it would be several weeks before toxicology and other test results were available.

The coach's son was reported missing Sunday after last being heard from at 2:10 a.m. local time when he made a cell phone call to a friend.

At around 2:36 a.m., a security guard from a nearby business called police to report someone had fallen through the thin ice of the river and was seen about 30 yards from the bank. Police recovered Philbin's body at 3 p.m. Monday.

"We love Michael so much and will miss him dearly. He loved his family, friends and life," Joe Philbin said in a statement Tuesday. "His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

"We are appreciative of the prayers and the support of our family, friends and the Packers family. We ask for continued respect and privacy for our family as we deal with our loss.

"Our family also wants to thank the Oshkosh Police Department, Winnebago County Dive/Rescue/Recovery Team and the Winnebago County Coroner's office for their efforts and compassion during this difficult ordeal."

Michael Philbin had been in Oshkosh visiting friends at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He was a student at Ripon College in Ripon, Wis., according to reports.

Michael Philbin was the second oldest of six children to Joe Philbin and his wife, Diane.

Joe Philbin, 50, has been the offensive coordinator of the Packers since 2007 and interviewed last week for the Dolphins' head coaching vacancy.

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