VIRGIN ISLANDS, ST THOMAS: The puzzling death of 22-year-old Lily Ledbetter in the US Virgin Islands is still a mystery, said the medical examiner after an autopsy turned up barely any new information. According to Dr Francisco Landron, it was essentially a negative autopsy. "There is no sign of injury, nothing to explain the cause of death," he stated.
The former Auburn University student died quite suddenly while working at a local animal shelter and residing in Cruz Bay on the well-known tourist island of St. John. Concerns about the prevalence of violent crime in the tropical paradise have led to criticism of the local police's handling of suspicious fatalities in recent years.
Who was Lily Ledbetter?
Lily Ledbetter, a 22-year-old woman from Alabama, was found dead in her home in the US Virgin Islands on June 6, 2023. She had been working at a local animal shelter before she died. The cause of her death is still unknown and authorities are still working to determine what happened.
Ledbetter had no signs of life when police and emergency medical personnel arrived at the house. The news release states, she was pronounced dead at 12.53 pm. The US Virgin Islands' medical examiner, Landron, who is headquartered in St. Thomas, stated that they are still awaiting the toxicology results. "It could be alcohol. It could be opiates," said Landron, who also claimed that there is no suspicion of criminal activity, reported New York Post.
Her name did not show up on a list of alumni
The next stage, as per Landron, would be "microscopic studies on tissues such as the heart," if the toxicology report does not identify the cause of death. As per a coworker, the young woman from Alabama had been working part-time at the Animal Care Center of St. John for about two months. "She was a good person. It’s really sad," stated the staffer, who declined to give his name. “She was a wonderful young person, who really liked spending time with the cats and dogs." Her name did not show up on a list of alumni, making it unclear whether she received a degree from the school, which is yet to respond to requests for information.
'Spice for life inspired everyone she met'
Ledbetter competed in the university's Women's Rowing Club, according to her obituary. "Her sparkling smile, contagious laugh and spice for life inspired everyone she met," her obituary stated. "Knowing Lily, loving Lily and being loved by Lily were transforming. Her sparkling smile, contagious laugh and spice for life inspired everyone she met," it continued. She reportedly attended Opelika High School, where she participated in the dance team, show choir, and band, and she graduated with honors in 2019. "To see Lily dance was awe-inspiring. She was absolutely captivating, and her passion illuminated the stage," the obituary added. Ledbetter is survived by her parents and two brothers.
