Family members of Robert D. Foster, 39, formerly of Texas, have identified his body, which was found about 2:30 p.m. March 1 by passersby in the Nichols Arboretum.
The 123-acre botanical park borders the Huron River and is adjacent to the Medical Campus. Foster was found about halfway across the Arboretum from the river near a path leading to the caretaker’s residence.
A preliminary report on cause of death cites hypothermia/acute alcoholism, according to Lt. James J. Smiley of the Department of Public Safety.
Foster may have been a homeless person. He was dressed in three layers of clothing and was found with a Mad Dog 20/20 wine bottle and a broken vodka bottle.
Broken branches in the pine tree above where the body was found indicate he may have fallen while trying to climb the tree, according to police.
