Medical examiner: Cause, manner of death pending for Ledyard woman found at Bluff Point

Groton — The cause and manner of death of a Ledyard woman found dead Saturday is “pending further study” following an autopsy Monday, an official at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said.

Tricia Beattie, 36, of 372D Colonel Ledyard Highway, was found around 4 p.m. Saturday floating in the water near the entrance to Bluff Point State Park. Beattie was pronounced dead at the scene after local and state police, as well as state emergency rescue teams, responded to the park Saturday. The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also responded to the scene.

Police said that Beattie was last seen around 1 a.m., on Saturday in the area of 1649 Route 12, in Gales Ferry.

Lt. J. Paul Vance, state police spokesman, said Monday that Beattie’s death remains suspicious and untimely. Vance said his office was working to “ensure we cover every base” and has spoken with some witnesses. State police are looking to speak with anyone else who may have seen Beattie Friday night or Saturday morning, Vance said.

On Beattie’s Facebook page, she says she is a stay-at-home mom with three daughters ages 11, 8 and 5 and is involved with the Girl Scouts.

Attempts to reach Beattie’s family and friends were not successful.

Beattie’s black 2006 Kia Optima was originally missing, Vance said, but the car was found Monday in Groton at an undisclosed location.

The state medical examiner’s office said the further study could take up to 18 weeks to complete.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police Department at (860) 848-6500. All calls will be kept confidential.