A woman was found dead in the area of the Pawleys Island Pier on Wednesday, and officials say the circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious. She had no identification on her and is believed to be approximately 30 years old, according to authorities who are now working to determine exactly what happened.
According to WBTW, Georgetown County Coroner Chase Ridgeway said the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are “suspicious at this time.” The coroner’s office has identified the woman internally, but her name will not be released until her family has been notified, the station reports.
There were no reports of missing persons in the area at the time she was discovered, per the same account from ABC News 4. Investigators also noted that the woman had marks on her body that merit further investigation, though no cause or manner of death has been announced.
Sheriff's Office Takes Over Investigation
The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office has assumed the investigation at the request of the Pawleys Island Police Department, the outlet notes. Pawleys Island Police Chief Michael Fanning had previously said it was undetermined whether foul play was suspected, according to Live 5 News.
An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday morning at the Medical University of South Carolina, the station adds, which officials hope will help clarify how the woman died and confirm her identity for investigators before it is shared publicly.
Community Reacts Near the Shoreline
As word of the discovery spread along the beach Wednesday, residents and visitors described a heavy law enforcement presence near the pier, according to GAB News. The find has unsettled a stretch of coastline more accustomed to quiet mornings than active death investigations.
For now, the case remains open, with the sheriff's office continuing to gather information and evidence as it works toward a positive identification. No further details about how the woman ended up in the water have been released.
