Final answer:
The most plausible explanation for the Iceman's death is a violent end due to perimortem trauma from sharp objects, likely from human conflict. The high prevalence of similar injuries in ancient remains supports this scenario over other natural causes of death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most plausible scenario to explain the Iceman's death involves considering perimortem trauma as the cause. Specifically, analysis of the Iceman's remains has revealed that injuries made by sharp objects, likely weapons such as arrows or blades, played a significant role.
These injuries likely include a clean cut to the bone, indicating the energy and skill behind the blow. This hypothesis is supported by the high percentage of bone injuries caused by similar sharp objects found in other ancient remains. Given that such cuts are considered to have been inflicted around the time of death, one can conclude that the Iceman likely died as a result of violent human conflict.
Moreover, studies by A. Keller et al. and L. Capasso have provided insights into the Iceman's lifestyle, indicating the use of natural laxatives and antibiotics which points to some level of medical knowledge at the time. However, these studies do not directly inform the cause of death but rather give context to the period's practices.
The precise circumstances leading to the Iceman's demise might never be fully understood, but based on the available evidence, a violent death due to inflicted sharp force trauma remains the most plausible explanation.