PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
The medical examiner’s office has released the cause and manner of death of a 79-year-old woman who was found dead inside a submerged vehicle in Claytor Lake.
As we reported earlier this week, on Saturday, Sept. 16, at about 7 p.m., a Claytor Lake State Park law enforcement ranger was alerted about a vehicle fully submerged in the lake behind the picnic/day-use area of the park. When divers reached the vehicle, they found a body inside. The victim was later identified as Jean Lester of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
Officials say the cause of death for Lester is drowning and the manner of death is suicide.
UPDATE
A 79-year-old woman was found dead inside her vehicle, which was found submerged in Claytor Lake on Sept. 16, officials said.
According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, a Claytor Lake State Park law enforcement ranger was notified Saturday at around 7 p.m. of a vehicle fully submerged in the lake behind the picnic/day-use area of the park.
Officials said divers reached the vehicle and found a body. According to Broderick Havens, Park Manager of Claytor Lake State Park, the body has now been identified as Jean Lester of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
Havens told 10 News the extraction lasted from 7 p.m. Saturday until midnight.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.
UPDATE
According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, a Claytor Lake State Park law enforcement ranger was notified Saturday at around 7 p.m. of a vehicle fully submerged in the lake behind the picnic/day-use area of the park.
We’re told State Park law enforcement rangers, deputies from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, and first responders from the Pulaski County Fire & EMS Special Operations Team and the Newburn Fire Department were called in to assist with the recovery of the vehicle.
Officials said divers reached the vehicle and found a body. The DCR said the identity of the deceased person is being withheld until additional family members can be notified.
According to officials, this is an ongoing investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY
A body was recovered from Claytor Lake, according to Pulaski County emergency officials.
According to Pulaski County Emergency Management Coordinator Brad Wright, Pulaski County Fire & EMS Special Operations Team divers were requested to Shelter 2 inside the park to assist law enforcement agencies with the recovery of a vehicle from the water.
Officials said a truck with a body inside was recovered from the lake, and law enforcement is investigating.
10 News has reached out to authorities for more information.
Stick with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.