LACROSSE, Wis. — A body found in a LaCrosse park last week was a Trempealeau man missing 6-1/2 weeks, police said. A forensic examination confirmed the identity of Octavio Morales, 31. The cause of death was not reported, but police, apparently ruling out homicide, said there was no cause for citizens to fear for their safety. Police had traced the whereabouts of Morales to the area of West Avenue and LaCrosse Street, an apartment neighborhood, in the early hours of Saturday, December 23, and the day before to St. Joseph Cathedral on Main Street. These were all within walking distance of the Myrick Park marsh where the body was found. Morales was reported missing by his family in Trempealeau on January 5. The search for Morales had focused on LaCrosse and been extensive with drones, an airboat and ground teams
Morales. Search had been extensive with drones, an airboat and ground teams.