Man accused of throwing driver to ground in road rage charged with manslaughter

By Riley Rourke, Louisa Moller

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    WALTHAM, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A 31-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter after an alleged road rage incident turned deadly in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said it happened on May 27 just before 9 a.m. in the entryway of a gas station on Weston Street. The victim, 23-year-old Nicholas Dagostino, told police that he was attempting to take a left into the gas station but 31-year-old Timothy Scalisi of Waltham was blocking the entryway with his car.

Ryan said that an argument ensued between Dagostino and Scalisi before things became physical. Dagostino got out of his car and allegedly pulled his fist back as if to hit someone, according to Scalisi’s attorney Arthur Kelly.

Scalisi then allegedly picked Dagostino up and “violently brought him to the ground.” Prosecutor for the Middlesex District Attorney, Mary O’Neill, said that Scalisi was a high school and college wrestler and was trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

“He used that experience to lift another person off the ground and throw him, not onto padded floors or a padded wall or padded mats that he would be used to in training but to throw him onto the pavement,” O’Neill said.

“He didn’t punch him; he didn’t kick him,” Kelly said. “I think it was more of an accident than anything intentional whatsoever.”

Scalisi then fled in his car. Investigators do not believe Scalisi and Dagostino knew each other.

“All this guy was trying to do is do his job, come in and get some gas and that’s it. I was shaking,” said gas station manager Betsy Bailey who called 911. “He was bleeding from the back of the head, and he was very, very, very out of it.”

Dagostino was taken to a nearby hospital with blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, and a headache. He had suffered a brain bleed and a small fracture on his head from the fight. He later died at Lahey Burlington Medical Center on May 29.

Police said they were able to identify and locate Scalisi using surveillance footage and Flock cameras. He was arrested and charged with manslaughter as well as assault and battery causing serious bodily injury. He was arraigned in Waltham District Court on Monday and released on $10,000 bail. He was ordered to stay away from the Dagostino family as well.

“There wasn’t a dangerous weapon involved. I think he’s been overcharged in this case,” Kelly said outside the courthouse.

He will return to court on July 2.

Ryan said there was heavy traffic at the time of the incident and is asking anyone who may have seen something to contact the police. They are looking for any dashcam video or information that could help them piece together what led to the assault. Anyone with information is asked to call Waltham detectives at 718-343-3550 or email them at tips@police.waltham.ma.us.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Archaeologists digging for clues about Battle of Bunker Hill fortification find key, gun flint

By Aaron Parseghian

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — Nearly 251 years after the Battle of Bunker Hill, archaeologists are searching beneath Charlestown’s Breed’s Hill for new clues about one of the most significant sites in the American Revolution.

The excavation is focused on locating and learning more about the earthen fortification known as the redoubt, which colonial soldiers hastily hand-constructed overnight leading up to the battle on June 17, 1775.

“Many maps [of the redoubt] have been drawn, but they all disagree with each other. So, we’re really hoping to lock in exactly where it was located. And if we can, figure out exactly what it looked like, that’s an added bonus,” said Joe Bagley, the City of Boston’s Archaeologist.

Right now, crews are digging two different trenches, identified through ground radar as potential locations of where the redoubt once stood. The project marks one of the first archaeological surveys conducted on that portion of Breed’s Hill.

The crew consists of the City of Boston archaeology program and several military veterans with the organization American Veterans Archaeological Recovery. The Pennsylvania-based group was started to help veterans transition into civilian life and find careers in archaeology. Much of their work is focused on historic battlegrounds and national parks.

“I think as a veteran, you do draw a family connection to the individuals who fought and in a lot of cases died on sites like this,” said Stephen Humphreys, CEO of AVAR. “What we really try to do with the archeology is make it less about kind of that huge picture and more about those individual stories that archeology can really tell, based off those artifacts that we’re finding in the grounds.”

Just two days into the two-week-long dig, archaeologists had already uncovered several notable artifacts.

Among the finds are a 400-year-old stone tool believed to have been used by a member of the Massachusett Tribe, a fragment of a 19th-century Victorian doll, and a mysterious key.

Though the most significant discovery so far may be a gun flint connected to the Revolutionary War battle itself.

“This is a gun spall, or a gun flint, that was used in a musket. This is from the Battle of Bunker Hill. So, this would have actually been here during the battle,” Bagley explained. “This one gave me chills when it came out.”

The excavation is expected to continue for two weeks as researchers search for additional evidence of the redoubt and the people who lived, fought and worked on the hill.

“This isn’t just the history of the battle. It’s also the history of Boston,” Bagley said. “We’re really excited to actually see so many pieces of history, kind of connecting all of those stories beyond just the battlefield, which is incredibly important.”

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This piece of evidence could be crucial in solving the fatal shooting of Billy Schmidt

By Joe Holden

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    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — Philadelphia police are continuing to search for the gunman who shot and killed a Penn State student near his home in South Philly over the weekend.

Police and prosecutors are hoping a cellphone they recovered will have DNA on it that leads them to the person who shot and killed 22-year-old Billy Schmidt.

Flowers and photos surround a fire hydrant at a growing memorial for Schmidt in South Philly. The Penn State communications major was shot and killed near 20th and Durfor streets Saturday, not even a block from his home.

Schmidt’s father is searching for reasons why it happened.

“I was shocked,” said Billy Schmidt, who is the victim’s father. “I ran into his room. I didn’t believe it.”

Investigators said Schmidt left a neighborhood bar when two people approached him. Police said one of the two stole his phone.

Surveillance video shows Schmidt chasing after them, asking for his phone back. Investigators said the shooter then fired once, hitting him in the chest and killing him.

“He was a great kid, he was like my best friend,” his father said. “Never had a problem with anyone, very respectful.”

Schmidt’s father later located the phone under a car.

Prosecutors said it will be valuable in trying to identify those responsible as detectives continue looking for evidence.

“They are working diligently and have been back out to the scene to survey and recover anything else at this time,” Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Bill Fritze said.

While District Attorney Larry Krasner was talking about an increase in his office’s budget to make Philadelphia safer Monday, CBS News Philadelphia asked about the tragic circumstances of what happened to Schmidt.

“It resonates with me, too,” Krasner said. “Crime is going to continue in human existence. The real question is, how do you manage it? Are you managing crime, reducing it? Reducing victimizations?”

Schmidt’s grieving father wants answers.

“I want them to pay,” he said. “I don’t want them to get away with this.”

Police also recovered a single spent shell casing at the scene of the shooting. They’re also looking for more surveillance video.

Sources told CBS News Philadelphia investigators are looking to rule out if the shooting is an isolated incident, or if there have been phone robberies recently in South Philadelphia or Center City.

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Soccer fever builds in Philadelphia as fans, restaurants count down to FIFA World Cup

By Eva Andersen

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    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — With the FIFA World Cup set to start Thursday, soccer fans across Philadelphia are already gathering to celebrate — and local restaurants are preparing to welcome visitors from around the world.

At Brauhaus Schmitz in South Philadelphia, fans packed the German beer hall Sunday evening to watch Colombia take on Jordan in a pre-World Cup “friendly” match.

“For my family, fútbol is life,” said Joana Plazas, a Colombia supporter. “I grew up watching it with my father, my uncles, my grandparents.”

Plazas said watching matches alongside fellow fans helps recreate the atmosphere she grew up with, especially because the restaurant broadcasts the matches in Spanish.

“It just makes it so much more of an incredible experience,” she said.

Creating a welcoming experience for fans across the globe is something Brauhaus Schmitz owner Doug Hager said he’s prioritizing.

“We’re not just a home base for Team Germany,” Hager said. “All the countries are welcome to come to Brauhaus and watch this beautiful game.”

The restaurant has decorated its space with soccer scarves representing countries from around the world and introduced tournament-themed food and drink specials. They’re going to show all matches on their many big screens and even throw five FIFA celebratory block parties.

Meanwhile, at Mamajuana Cafe in Fishtown, staff recently installed a giant viewing screen ahead of the tournament.

“We’re going to have at least 10 watch parties, but we might even have more,” said spokesperson Kory Aversa.

The Caribbean and Latin American restaurant is also serving specialty drinks in trophy-inspired cups designed to appeal to visiting fans.

“It’s almost like a handshake, if you will, to the soccer fans who are visiting Philly,” Aversa said.

And with kickoff just days away, businesses across Philadelphia say they’re ready to play host.

“Philadelphia is America,” Hager said. “Couple that with a sporting event in Philadelphia where we truly have the most passionate fans — it’s a match made in heaven.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Illinois leaders, fans across Chicago area react after Bears advance Hammond, Indiana stadium plans

By Leah Hope, Craig Wall, Eric Horng, and Ravi Baichwal

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    CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois leaders and fans across the Chicago area are reacting Friday after the Chicago Bears’ Board of Directors voted to advance the stadium development in Hammond, Indiana.

Illinois political leaders are facing renewed pressure after the Chicago Bears issued their strongest statement yet signaling they are serious about leaving Soldier Field for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.

Gov. JB Pritzker and legislative leaders say they are willing to work with the team, but questions remain about whether they can agree on a plan – and whether they can act quickly enough – to keep the Bears in Illinois.

The Bears’ announcement comes after the Illinois House and Senate passed separate stadium proposals that failed to win support in the opposite chamber. The legislative session ended without a deal, prompting the team to announce it is pursuing a site in Hammond.

While no move has been finalized, a league source says it is not a done deal. That leaves a narrow opening for Illinois, with Arlington Heights still seen as a possible option if lawmakers can act swiftly.

Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement, “We are ready and willing to re-engage with the Chicago Bears when they realize Illinois will always be the best place for them.”

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch echoed that position, saying, “Illinois remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears in Illinois. However, it will take time to get it right.”

Sports business analyst Marc Ganis, president of Sports Corp. Ltd., said the situation is still fluid.

“They are not finished with the deal with Indiana yet, and that is the sliver of hope Illinois might have if it acted quickly,” Ganis said.

Across the state line, Indiana officials are expressing confidence. State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., a Lake County Democrat, said discussions he has had in Indiana suggest the project is moving forward.

“My understanding and conversation I’ve had with people here in Indiana is that this is definitely a go,” Harris said. He added, “We are 100% confident that eventually we’ll be able to sit in a stadium in Hammond, Indiana, and be glad to see the Bears play their first home game there.”

Pritzker’s office reiterated the governor’s position in a statement, saying, “Governor Pritzker has always been clear that he wants the Bears to stay in Illinois / and still remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers.”

The issue is also drawing attention in the governor’s race. Republican challenger Darren Bailey weighed in, saying, “I do know one thing, I’d hate to be the governor that loses the Chicago Bears.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson did not take questions from reporters after an event but released a statement addressing the uncertainty surrounding the team’s plans. “Without a final site selection, until we see shovels in the ground in Hammond, the City will continue to engage in discussions grounded in the interests of our residents,” Johnson said.

Ganis said the Bears’ posture reflects the lack of a clear alternative in Illinois.

“This has never been a leverage play. It has been the option, and because there is no Illinois option right now, there is only one option on the table for the Bears,” he said.

Still, some Illinois lawmakers say talks are continuing. State Rep. Kam Buckner, who co-led negotiations with the team, posted on social media that he spoke with Bears President Kevin Warren earlier in the day.

“He ended the conversation by committing to continue discussions around their pursuit of a new stadium in Illinois,” Buckner wrote.

For now, momentum appears to favor Indiana, but Illinois leaders maintain the Bears’ future is not yet settled, leaving what may be a final opportunity to keep the team in the state.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s office issued the following full statement on Friday: “The Bears have built a storied legacy in Illinois for over 100 years but have spent the last six years, and especially the last few months, shifting their position on a stadium location. That has hindered their progress. Today appears to be another instance of that after Illinois leaders have been working with the Bears in good faith. Governor Pritzker has always been clear that he wants the Bears to stay in Illinois and still remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers.”

This comes after Illinois lawmakers ended the spring session this past weekend without passing legislation to keep the team in Illinois and build in Arlington Heights.

The failed measure would’ve allowed for a mostly Bears-funded stadium that would be publicly owned, meaning the team would not have to pay property taxes.

It passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Suburban leaders in Arlington Heights are hopeful the team could still build on the old Arlington Park site.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon issued a statement on Friday, saying, “The Chicago Bears have been saying for some time now that Hammond, Indiana is their main focus. Today’s statement isn’t fundamentally different than what the team said in February after Indiana voted to give the Chicago Bears more than a billion dollars in taxpayer money if they move to Indiana. But that didn’t stop their conversations about a future here in Illinois, and it doesn’t appear that today’s statement will either. We are ready and willing to re-engage with the Chicago Bears when they realize Illinois will always be the best place for them.”

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said in a statement Friday, “In April, the House passed an economic development package that was the product of extensive negotiation with the Bears and other stakeholders. That bipartisan legislation reflected our belief that we can incentivize statewide development and provide property tax relief for working people. While Indiana is willing to raise taxes and promise $1 billion in taxpayer funds, Illinois has focused on the needs of working families who want relief at the gas pump, at the store, and on their insurance bills-not taxpayer-funded stadiums. Illinois remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears in Illinois. However, it will take time to get it right.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement, “Over the last several years the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions, today’s announcement is not surprising. It’s also not surprising that Bears officials have stated this vote does not mean a move to Hammond is a done deal. Without a final site selection, until we see shovels in the ground in Hammond, the City will continue to engage in discussions grounded in the interests of our residents.”

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said, “While today’s announcement that the Chicago Bears’ Board of Directors has voted to move forward with a relocation to Hammond, Indiana, conversations are ongoing. Cook County remains willing to engage with team ownership and state leaders to explore a path that keeps the Bears in Illinois. As those conversations continue, I am committed to solutions that protect taxpayer dollars while continuing to support the legacy of the Bears in our state.”

Outside of Soldier Field Friday, ABC7 broke the news to a couple of Bears fans.

“That’s the worst news I’ve heard all year maybe my entire life,” Bears fan Aiden Uppling said. “This is outrage, this is wrong, like my heart is beating out my chest, I can’t believe this.”

“I was hoping and praying. I really wanted it in Arlington, because that’s closer to where we live,” fan Rex Chapman said. “I’m lowkey devastated, I’m not gonna lie.”

Friday’s development was met with disbelief and questions.

“I just knew they were going to work something out so they were going to stay in Chicago, I can’t believe it,” fan Elana Smith said.

“What stopped, what held up the discussion, where they were just like, okay we are through there was nothing we could do here in Chicago to keep our team in our state,” fan Alisha Smith said.

“I’m thankful they are not too far. I’m still mad just like everybody… but at least they are just right over the border, a 20-30 minutes drive and we can still see a game,” fan Erik Holston Jr. said.

Some say they will not be going to see the Bears in Indiana. Fan Jessica Neely says she was considering buying season tickets, but not now.

“I hate this for us, I don’t like it at all,” Neely said. “It’s good for Hammond, Indiana, but why? I feel like there were so many options.”

Some shared they think this move disrespects the devotion of Bears fans.

“Everything they might have gained isn’t for us, because we are not getting anything from it,” Joseph Murillo said. ‘We are losing our team.”

Fans ABC7 spoke with hope this isn’t the final move. They urged Bears executives to consider the revenue lost from fans who aren’t willing to cross the state line for games.

The Bears previously said they would make a decision about their stadium by late spring or early summer.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Woman was drunk and high when she fell 10 stories down trash chute, police say

By Toni Yates

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    HACKENSACK, New Jersey (WABC) — Police say drugs and alcohol played a role after a woman fell 10 stories down a trash chute Sunday in New Jersey.

The victim remains in the hospital on Monday with significant injuries.

Hackensack police say the 25-year-old woman was high on drugs and alcohol when she climbed into the 14th floor garbage chute at a building on Main Street around 1 p.m.

Witnesses say they heard a woman screaming as she went tumbling down several stories. She landed near the third and fourth floors after trash inside the chute slowed and cushioned her fall.

But the garbage made it tough to find and rescue her, so firefighters decided the best way to reach her was to break through walls and cut into the metal chute.

Crews had to pull mounds of garbage backs out to finally pull the woman out, feet first, and one firefighter suffered cuts from the jagged metal left from cutting into the chute.

She had been visiting someone in the building and it was apparently obvious she was under the influence, witnesses say.

But all the garbage bags appeared to help break her fall and officials say she was lucky they were there.

Police say the woman is in the hospital and she suffered significant injuries to her lower body.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

New Hampshire man charged after allegedly forcing woman into marriage, performing satanic ritual

By Kelly O’Brien

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    PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire (WMUR) — A man from Lee is accused of forcing a woman into marriage and telling her they were being followed by a satanic cult.

Daniel Ouellet, 47, is facing felony charges after police found him and the woman at an Olive Garden in Newington.

The case triggered a shelter-in-place order over the weekend in Lee after police learned that Ouellet had weapons.

According to court documents, police in Newington were dispatched Saturday morning to an Olive Garden restaurant on a report that a woman was being held against her will.

The report came from Pennsylvania State Police, who said they got a call from the woman’s mother after she tracked her phone to the parking lot. When police arrived, officers saw cigarette burns on the woman’s leg, according to court documents.

Investigators said they found a Satanic Bible, a sweatshirt and a bag in Ouellet’s car.

The woman later told officers that Ouellet allegedly had a gun and forced her to marry him against her will a few days earlier. According to court documents, the woman told investigators that Ouellet would not let her use her phone and told her he would hurt her family if she left.

Court paperwork said that on Friday, Ouellet made the woman drive him around with a gun pointed at her, saying a religious cult was following them. She told police that while they were in Kittery on Saturday morning, he grabbed her wrist and sliced her hand for what he said was a satanic ritual.

In court Monday, Ouellet denied the allegations.

“If you talk to anybody that knows me, I’m not a physical man,” he said. “I’m very pristine and, you know, forcing her into marriage, that’s completely against my religious belief. I totally believe in free will, and I have never been aggressive with her in ways that were described on that paper.”

Police said more charges are likely. Ouellet has a criminal record that includes domestic violence and DWI charges.

Ouellet was ordered held on preventative detention, and the woman was given a protective order.

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Remains of 18-year-old found in Pennsylvania basement in 1999 finally identified 

By Raquel Ciampi

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    WILKINSBURG, Pennsylvania (WTAE) — An 18-year-old woman whose remains were found in a Wilkinsburg basement in 1999 has finally been identified.

On June 28, 1999, the new owner of a home on North Avenue in Wilkinsburg discovered the remains of a woman in their basement.

Prior to the discovery, the home had sat empty and abandoned for more than a year.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner ruled the woman’s death a homicide by ligature strangulation and it was estimated she was between 18 and 20 years old.

Since her death in 1999, the Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Wilkinsburg Police, and the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner worked to identify Jane Doe.

With the help of a grant, police and the Medical Examiner’s Office were able to partner with Othram in 2024 on the case and a dozen others.

Identifying Jane Doe Othram, a corporation that specializes in forensic genetic genealogy, was able to build a DNA profile of the remains and find potential family members of Jane Doe.

Through that, Othram identified the woman as 18-year-old Genelle Bradford. Bradford was reported missing from Wilkinsburg on April 24, 1999.

“We are thrilled that once again this partnership has allowed us to provide answers to a family that was left in the dark for so long,” said Mandy Tinkey, Director of Forensic Services at the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner. “While the focus now shifts towards finding justice for Genelle, we are hopeful we can continue to provide answers for those impacted by the remaining cold cases we have shared with Othram.”

Authorities say they have not been able to identify a suspect in Bradford’s death.

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Former OB-GYN accused of artificially inseminating patients with his own sperm

By Montse Ricossa

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    WHITEFISH BAY, Wisconsin (WDJT) — A woman is claiming her former Whitefish Bay OB-GYN artificially inseminated her with his sperm without her consent.

Mary Ellen Lukezich says she relied on OB-GYN Dr. Frederick G. Dettmann when looking for fertility treatment as she looked to conceive a child back in April 1980. Dr. Dettmann reportedly worked for decades at 5589 North Bay Ridge Ave. in Whitefish Bay, practicing obstetrics, gynecology and infertility medicine.

According to her lawyer, Lukezich consented to artificial insemination using the sperm of a medical school student, who was an anonymous donor. She gave birth to her son, Joseph Laedtke, on Feb. 14, 1983.

Laedtke, with genealogy testing, reportedly discovered his father had several other biological connections and was able to trace it all back to Dr. Dettmann. Laedtke and Lukezich believe they’re not the only victims, as Laedtke, through the genetic testing, discovered “multiple half-siblings.”

Now, other women who were patients of Dr. Dettmann and underwent artificial insemination from an anonymous donor are asked to come forward.

Whitefish Bay Police released police logs from back in 1985 and 1986 where a woman accused Dr. Dettman of sexually assaulting her. On Aug. 19, 1985, a man stated his wife was sexually assaulted while in a gynecological exam with Dr. Dettmann. The doctor denied the allegations. The next day, the assistant District Attorney reportedly declined to issue charges as “burden of proof was too difficult.”

Then in April of 1986, the Medical Examining Board “considered the relevant facts and voted to close this case without further action.” We reached out to the Board for more information and comment, but have not heard back. Whitefish Bay Police say they have no other records since they were “destroyed according to records retention laws that were in place at that time.”

There are no current investigations at this time, per the Whitefish Bay Police Department.

Dr. Dettmann, according to Wisconsin’s Department of Financial Institutions, registered with the state in September of 1976 and dissolved his practice in December of 1997. He’s believed to now be a 92-year-old man who lives in Scottsdale, Ariz. CBS 58 has reached out for comment and has not heard back.

We also reached out to Whitefish Bay police to learn if they’re investigating the case.

Potential victims of Dr. Dettmann are asked to contact Cannon & Dunphy at (262) 782-2700 or email afoeckler@c-dlaw.com

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Woman fell, died while climbing tree in Utah park, police say

By Cassidy Wixom

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    MOAB, Utah (KSL) — A woman found dead at a Moab park on Monday likely fell while climbing a tall tree, police said.

At about 6:15 a.m., a Moab resident was on a walk at Swanny Park, 400 N. 100 West, when they noticed a tree branch on the ground under the largest tree in the southwest part of the park. The resident then saw that a person was partially covered by the branch and ran to the nearby Aquatic Center to call for help.

Moab police, fire, emergency services and county deputies all responded to the scene.

“Unfortunately, it was clear the woman found on the ground had passed away hours earlier and was beyond help,” Moab police said in a statement Tuesday.

The woman’s identity has not been released, but police said she was in her mid-30s.

Investigators believe the woman arrived at the park sometime after 1:30 a.m. and had been climbing the large tree. At the top of the tree, she would have been about 40 feet off the ground.

The broken branch was determined to have been part of two branches that formed a “V” shape at the top of the tree, police said.

“We believe the victim was standing in the ‘V’ when one of the branches broke, causing the victim to fall head-first onto the ground below,” police said. “The fall would likely have been instantly fatal.”

The woman’s injuries are consistent with sustaining a fall from that height onto grass, but police are waiting for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Evidence points to the situation being a tragic accident, police said.

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