Son of Green Bay Packers Offensive Coordinator Found Dead in River

The body of Michael Philbin, son of Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, was found dead in the Fox River in Wisconsin.

The NFL playoffs are now overshadowed by the tragic death of 21-year-old Michael Philbin, son of Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Michael Philbin had been reported missing on Sunday, after no one had heard from him since about 2AM on Sunday morning. Philbin had been out with friends near Oshkosh, Wisconsin when he was last seen.

An employee working in a building near the Fox River reported hearing ice breaking and someone calling for help at around 2:30AM. Philbin's body was recovered on Monday afternoon, and police were able to positively identify him later that day.

The last official word from the Packers came before a positive identification was made of the body, and the coaches and players were not speaking to the media out of respect for the Philbin family. Obviously, when tragedies such as this occur, they dwarf the importance of the NFL playoffs or anything related to sports.

The investigation into Philbin's death is ongoing and there is no word at this time why he may have been out on the ice or if he was alone. The Fox River is reportedly notorious for producing unstable ice, even during very cold winters. Given the unseasonably mild winter conditions in Wisconsin so far this year, it is believed that the Fox River ice was especially weak and would have been unlikely to hold the weight of a person.

The Packers are scheduled to play the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon in Green Bay.

By Buzzle Staff and Agencies