Montco coroner holds off releasing cause of death of Drexel student found in creek bed

The Montgomery County coroner said Monday that he would not release the cause of death of a 22-year-old Drexel University student, whose body was found in a creek bed in northern Montgomery County, until the results of toxicology tests are received.

Sean Michael Buehrle of the 2300 block of Otts Road, Pennsburg, was last seen early last Tuesday as he left his job at the Weis Market in the 400 block of Pottstown Avenue for his usual two-mile walk home.

Coroner Walter I. Hofman said Buehrle's body was found Friday in a creek near Fennel and Wonzeigler Roads in Upper Hanover Township. Hofman declined to say how Buehrle got there or how he died.

Although an autopsy was concluded Saturday, the coroner said the cause of death would be released only when test readings were available. It was not clear how long that would take.

Investigators at the Skippack barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police had initially handled the search for Buehrle, and had placed his name on a national database for missing persons.

Using a special Facebook page, "Help us find Sean Buehrle," his family had mounted an intense three-day search for the Drexel student, a rising senior. Friends and relatives participated, said his mother, Kathy.

Once police notified the family that his body had been discovered, his mother released the news on the Facebook page.

"We are saying he is no longer here with us, and no foul play is involved," she said in a brief interview Monday. "I think people will figure it out on their own."

Kathy Buehrle said she had been touched by members of the public who called to express their concern for the family.

"I'd like to thank everyone who helped search and looked for him, and everyone who opened up their hearts," she said.

Before her brother's body was discovered, sister Candis posted on the website that there had been no odd texts or unfamiliar calls on his cellphone or e-mail that would have helped detectives track him.

"He does not ever carry cash, and all his checks are accounted for," she posted.

Sean Buehrle was described by family as a quiet young man with a small circle of friends and acquaintances.

Buehrle grew up in North Wales, graduated from North Penn High School in 2007, and was to graduate from Drexel next spring.