Police Investigate Suspicious Death of Young Woman in Newport Beach

Police are investigating the “suspicious” death of a young woman, whose body was found in the sand in Newport Beach Monday.

The woman has been identified by authorities, but her name has not been released until her immediate relatives can be notified. She appeared to be in her mid-20s and was found unconscious by passersby at about 6 a.m. Monday near Tower 71 in the area of Highland Street and West Oceanfront, according to Newport Beach police spokeswoman Kathy Lowe.

Detectives were investigating the death as suspicious pending autopsy and toxicology results. Lowe declined to comment on whether any obvious signs of trauma were discovered on the woman's body.

"Until we receive further information from the OC Coroner’s office, we can’t rule anything out," Lowe said.

The Newport Beach Police Department is asking anyone who may have more information about the woman's death to call Det. Garrett Fitzgerald at 949-644-3797 or the Police Department’s Hotline at 1-(800)-550-NBPD. Messages may be left anonymously.