Authorities in Shasta County, Calif., believe that OSU student Gina Zalunardo committed suicide, based on evidence where her body was found and an autopsy that was performed on Monday.The Shasta County Sheriff's Office said Zalunardo, 22, hanged herself with a piece of clothing.
Investigators said they have found nothing to indicate anything other than suicide in the death.
"We're very comfortable" with the tentative ruling, said Shasta County Sheriff's Capt. Dave Compomizzo. "And I usually don't get that way."
Compomizzo said the case will be inactivated, but he said that if more information emerges, his office will investigate.
Toxicology tests, due in about two weeks, will determine whether or not drugs or alcohol were in Zalunardo's system at the time of her death, Compomizzo said.
Investigators have said that they do not believe Zalunardo was drunk when she was last seen, about 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. Compomizzo has said that he doubts she was using drugs.
Friends saw Zalunardo leaving a houseboat that was anchored to Shasta Lake's Slaughterhouse Island after she apparently had a verbal argument with her boyfriend.
On Thursday, May 12, her body was found in heavy manzanita brush near the summit of the 1/2-mile-square island, about 300 yards from the houseboat.
Zalunardo was among about 500 OSU students who were gathered at the lake in what has become a traditional Mother's Day weekend party.
.......
Oregon State Daily Barometer Online - Police rule Zalunardo death a suicide
