Chrissie Watson, 17-year-old Amity Island native, was found mangled on South Beach after last seen alive the night before. An autopsy is underway, though police are unsure what caused Watson's death.
Watson was last seen around 11 P.M. on Sunday, July 1 leaving a beach party on South Beach with Christopher P. Hoggenbottam III. Hoggenbottam is a former resident of the island and is a sophomore at Trinity College.
"Police investigators also learned from witnesses that both teenagers had been drinking heavily and possibly smoking marijuana during the evening," said Amity Police Chief Martin Brody in a press release.
Hoggenbottam called police at 6 A.M. this morning to report that Watson went swimming at a remote section of South Beach near the South Beach Shoal bell buoy on Sunday night. Hoggenbottam did not see her again.
Hoggenbottam did not say whether or not he joined Watson in the water.
After Hoggenbottam's call, Police Deputy Jay Hendricks did a brief search and found Watson's body on the shore. Her body was severely mauled, but according to Brody, no one knows why.
Watson's body was transported to the the coroner's office for autopsy. No charges have been filed in the case. Police continue their investigation.
Despite not being sure of the cause of death, the press release does not rule out a possible shark attack.
Watson was a member of the varsity swim team during her senior at Amity High School. She was also a lifeguard at the Amity Island YMCA pool in Oak Bluffs. Weather conditions for Sunday night were reported at 72 degrees F, and the seas were calm. According to the press release, winds were out of the south at about 3 knots.
In the press release, Brody wanted to reassure residents that the waters are still safe for swimming.
"Though a shark attack has not been completely ruled out, we want to assure all residents and visitors on our fine island that they are in no danger," Brody said. "Our lovely beaches will remain open for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation."
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