Man found dead near Hy-Vee, stuck in donation box

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The Madison Police Department says a man got stuck in a donation box and died near a Westside Hy-vee parking lot.

MPD is investigating the death of a 49-year-old man. The incident occurred near Whitney Way on Tuesday around 3:15 p.m.

First, the police were called to the scene to carry out an identity check.

When officers arrived, they noticed a man hanging out of a donation box. First responders performed life-saving measures, but the man died at the scene of the accident.

Many Hy-Vee shoppers on Madison's west side were surprised to learn of a death investigation in the store's parking lot.

“It was definitely surprising to hear that because Madison is typically a very quiet city and a very active residential and commercial area,” Matthew Landauer said.

Landauer is a regular customer and says he doesn't live far from the store.

“It was surprising to hear something like that in that room,” Landauer said.

MPD Public Information Officer Stephanie Fryer says they are investigating how the 49-year-old man got into the donation box.

“Did they accidentally donate a property that they wanted to get back?” Fryer asked. “Were they just looking for whatever it was, just trying to figure out what led to the situation that unfolded?”

Police say the man has ties to other states and are unsure how long he has been in the Madison area.

In busy areas such as a store parking lot, officers continue to maintain the integrity of their investigation.

“It's been very busy, so our officers will have tents or canopies that we can bring to protect the patient's privacy,” Fryer said.

Residents hope the police can provide more answers soon. “This is surprising, so my condolences go out to the family and I hope the police can conduct a proper investigation,” Landauer said.

Fryer said she is grateful to the customers who reported the incident to the store.

“It's one of those things we always say: If you see something you don't like, please report it. In this case, that’s exactly what happened,” she said.

According to MPD, there is no indication that there are any suspects in this case.

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