Death of man who went missing ruled accidental

The death of a Cape Girardeau County man whose body was found less than a mile from his home last month was determined to be accidental.

Scott Cornman, 37, was found Feb. 24 off the roadway between his home in the Route W Trailer Park and the Pilot House, a restaurant and bar at 3532 Perryville Road. He had been reported missing two days earlier.

Authorities ruled out foul play and suicide, and on Wednesday determined the death to be accidental due to exposure, according to Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton.

The temperature the evening Cornman went missing was about 12 degrees, he said.

Based on the coroner's determination, the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department closed the case on Cornman's death, according to Lt. David James.

"The investigation is over unless something new comes up," he said.

An autopsy performed shortly after the body was discovered was inconclusive and had been pending toxicological studies, the results of which were returned Tuesday.

Because the toxicological studies were confidential and Cornman's family requested they not be released, Clifton said he could not comment on the results.

Cornman was last seen at the Pilot House around 10 p.m. Feb. 21. The next morning, his vehicle was found on the other side of the roadway with a flat tire.

An AT&T service representative, Cornman was a regular at the Pilot House, which is less than a mile from the home he shared with his partner, John Miller.

Neither Miller nor family members could be reached for comment Thursday night.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127