Sorry if it seems I took your comment the wrong way Russ, but the thought did cross my mind when I heard the story.
Then the thought that he was just incompetent followed.

It was horrible weather to be out in and he should have had quite a bit more gear than anybody mentioned him having.

The area is not so isolated either, he should have been able to find a place to get in out of the weather too.

I have seen people get into trouble before in this area. Usually we get a few in deer season. People who don't dress for the weather or who get lost.
It does not have to be extremely cold to freeze to death, especially in the rain.