The preliminary autopsy of Hubert Aiwanger found no initial signs of possible third-party involvement, Berlin prosecutors said, as investigators continue examining the death of Bavaria’s deputy minister-president.
Prosecutors said the autopsy was performed Thursday morning. Authorities have yet to state what caused the death, while additional forensic checks continue alongside the investigation.
Police and prosecutors said Aiwanger, 55, was discovered in his Berlin-Mitte hotel room Wednesday evening; EconoTimes reported the death earlier. The Berlin State Criminal Police Office’s 6th homicide unit is working with prosecutors to establish how he died and assess whether anyone else was involved.
German news agency dpa reported that Aiwanger withdrew for health reasons from a planned speech at the opening of the Free Voters’ Berlin office Wednesday. Bavaria Digital Minister Fabian Mehring spoke instead. The party’s event program included Mehring but did not explain Aiwanger’s absence.
The Free Voters said the office would connect the party’s federal-level work with businesses, associations, civil society and political groups. Bavaria’s election authority says the party won 15.8% of total votes in the 2023 state election; the Federal Returning Officer recorded 1.5% of second votes in 2025, leaving it without Bundestag seats. Prosecutors said additional forensic examinations are continuing as the inquiry proceeds.
