Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 14, 2008

FORT SIMPSON - A birthday celebration turned tragic when a Fort Simpson man died of suspected exposure on Dec. 20.

A coroner's investigation is being conducted into the death of Andrew Tsetso.

Tsetso was discovered lying on Cazon Crescent in Wild Rose by people who live nearby just after 6 a.m.

He was conscious but very cold, Sgt. Cliff McKay said. He was taken to the Health Centre where he died. Attempts to stabilize his condition failed. It was his 57th birthday.

Tsetso lived in the area of Wild Rose where he was found and it's unclear where he was walking to or from, said McKay.

"He had been drinking prior to his death," McKay added.

The official cause of death has yet to be determined and the coroner's investigation is ongoing.

There hasn't been a death related to exposure in Fort Simpson in a number of years, said McKay.

"It's something you have to be careful of," he said.

McKay said residents should plan ahead before they leave their homes.

If people are going on a snowmobile ride they should bring spare parts in the event they need to make repairs to their machine and not go too far in case they have to walk back. Motorists should take extra blankets and supplies when heading out on the road, he said.

"Use good common sense," said McKay.