Fort Bragg Woman Identified in Fatal Drowning at MacKerricher State Park

Stock photo of MacKerricher Beach [Photographer: J.smith |Date=2009-09-22 | Wikicommons]

According to an updated press release issued this afternoon, December 29, she is identified as Diane L. Wittig, a 77-year-old woman from Fort Bragg.

An autopsy was performed on December 23 as part of the ongoing coroner’s investigation. The preliminary cause of death was determined to be acute asphyxial brain injury due to submersion in water and drowning, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The final cause and manner of death are pending completion of investigative reports by a forensic pathologist.

The fatal incident occurred around 2 p.m. on December 22, when deputies with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to MacKerricher Beach after receiving a request for assistance from Cal Fire and California State Parks personnel.

Deputies learned that the woman had been standing on rocks when a large wave knocked her into the ocean. Bystanders who witnessed the incident were able to pull her from the water and bring her to shore. After being rescued, the woman became unresponsive and lost consciousness.

Despite advanced life-saving efforts by fire and medical personnel, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time of the incident, deputies were unable to immediately identify the woman. No identification was found with her, and no one at the scene reported knowing her or visiting the park with her. Investigators checked unattended vehicles in the park’s parking areas and contacted other law enforcement agencies to determine whether any missing persons reports matched her description.

Authorities stated that no suspicious circumstances were found. The incident was witnessed by multiple bystanders, and investigators concluded the death was accidental.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that legal next-of-kin have now been identified and notified as part of the continuing investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086, option 1.

Information in this case may be updated as the coroner’s investigation is completed.

Earlier: Elderly Woman Dies After Being Swept into Ocean at MacKerricher State Park, Identity Unknown