Coal City, IL – Katherine Munchalfen, 41, was found dead outside the Coal City Public Library on Sunday morning, amidst harsh freezing conditions.
The discovery was made by a maintenance worker who noticed the unresponsive woman near the library’s entrance at approximately 7:00 a.m. Coal City emergency services were promptly alerted, but Munchalfen was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities reported that Munchalfen had left a friend’s residence on Saturday night around 8:00 p.m. She was inadequately dressed for the frigid weather, wearing only a t-shirt, jeans, and shoes, with additional clothing items found nearby. The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death, with preliminary investigations suggesting the weather as a significant factor.
The Coal City Police Department and the Coroner’s Office are collaboratively investigating this unfortunate event. This tragedy underscores the critical importance of adequate shelter and protection during extreme weather conditions.
