A hike along the bluffs at Camp Hero State Park turned grim Thursday afternoon when walkers stumbled on the body of a woman near the Montauk Point East Overlook, according to New York State Police. Troopers arrived to find the woman dead on the trail and later identified her as 35-year-old Lauren Balik of New York City. Officials have not said how she died or what they think happened.
What State Police Say
State police said troopers were called at about 1:42 p.m. Thursday for a report of a deceased person at the Montauk Point East Overlook. Investigators found the body on the scene and later confirmed Balik's identity, according to Daily Voice. The outlet reported that the identification was announced the following day.
How The Body Was Found And Who Responded
Hikers on a trail south of the east overlook first reported finding what appeared to be human remains, East Hampton Town Police Capt. Gregory Martin told local reporters. Local police and emergency crews initially responded, but New York State Police took over the case because the discovery was made on state parkland, as reported by The East Hampton Star. State Police public information officer Brittany Burton told the paper the investigation remains active and that no additional details were available as of midday Friday.
Where It Happened
The body was found along trails in Camp Hero State Park near Montauk Point, a stretch of high bluffs and wooded paths popular with hikers and anglers. The park is run by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and lists its main address as 1898 Montauk Highway in Montauk. New York State Parks describes the area as a network of trails and shoreline bluffs dotted with former military structures that draw visitors year-round.
Investigation Status
Authorities have not said how Balik died, whether foul play is suspected, or how long she may have been on the trail before hikers found her. They have released only limited information while the inquiry continues, according to The East Hampton Star. New York State Police remain in charge of the investigation.
