A dramatic mystery for more than a day, authorities Thursday identified the 57-year-old woman who drowned after falling into St. Thomas harbor Wednesday.
According to veteran V.I. radio newsman Lee Carle, the victim was Bridgette Daryl Smith.
After speaking with the victim’s niece Thursday, Carle said Smith suffered a sudden aneurysm and fell over the waterfront ledge into the water.
Good Samaritans dove in and pulled her out. According to a report Thursday in the Daily News, local dive shop owner Laura Hausch attempted to revive her.
Paramedics rushed her to Schneider Regional Medical Center, where she was put on a respirator and later died late Wednesday night.
“The VIPD wants to thank all those in the community who helped identify her,” a VIPD spokesperson said in a statement Thursday.
“She was identified by family … but due to her condition, she died while in treatment,” the statement said, expressing the condolences of VIPD officials.
