Boy's playground death 'a tragic accident,' Comfrey police say

The boy was found tangled in a playground swing Wednesday afternoon.

August 2, 2018 at 7:22PM

Foul play was not a factor in the death of a boy found tangled in a playground swing in southwestern Minnesota, police said Thursday.

Gavin Ludewig, 9, was found dead Wednesday on a playground in Comfrey, a town of about 375 residents in Brown County about 135 miles southwest of the Twin Cities. Police Chief Eric Schwarzrock said the boy was found tangled in the swing about 5:30 p.m.

"There isn't any suspicion of foul play," Schwarzrock said. "At this point, it looks like a tragic accident."

Schwarzrock said the boy's body has been sent to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner for an autopsy. It's uncertain when the autopsy will be completed, he added. It could take several weeks, depending on what tests are performed.

John Reinan • 612-673-7402

about the writer

about the writer

John Reinan

Reporter

John Reinan is a news reporter covering Greater Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. For the Star Tribune, he's also covered the western Twin Cities suburbs, as well as marketing, advertising and consumer news. He's been a reporter for more than 20 years and also did a stint at a marketing agency.

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