Woman whose body washes ashore on Hollywood Beach was either snorkeling or diving, police say
Homicide detectives have identified the woman whose body washed ashore on Hollywood Beach Wednesday night, but investigators are still working to determine exactly how she died.
Authorities said the victim, believed to be in her 30s, was apparently snorkeling or diving earlier in the day before her body was discovered along the shoreline.
On Thursday, investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were seen gathering information near the area where the woman's body was found. Officers went from building to building along the beach as part of the ongoing investigation.
"This is a beautiful beach, but people have to respect the ocean," said Hollywood resident Emilio Benitez. Benitez, who lives on New Mexico Street along the Hollywood Boardwalk, said conditions became rough Wednesday evening.
Less than 24 hours after the discovery, Hollywood Police released a statement shedding some light on the circumstances surrounding the case.
"Based on the investigation, it appears the deceased was snorkeling/diving in the area of Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park on June 3," the statement read in part. "Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation investigators are working in partnership with Hollywood detectives on this case."
Police described the victim as a white female but have not released additional details about her identity or whether she was a local resident or visiting South Florida.
A cellphone video captured by a nearby resident showed the moment first responders arrived at the beach Wednesday night.
"Two gentlemen who come here very regularly were struggling to pull something out of the beach," Benitez said. "It turned out that it was the body of a lady."
According to Benitez, two fishermen discovered the body and immediately contacted police.
The discovery comes less than six months after another woman's body was found on Hollywood Beach. In that case, investigators determined the victim was from out of town, and the death was ultimately ruled a homicide.
At this time, authorities have not determined whether foul play was involved in the latest case. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen the woman snorkeling or diving, or who may have information about the circumstances leading up to her death, to contact the Hollywood Police Department at 954-764-4357.