WASHINGTONVILLE - Authorities in Montour County reported a woman found dead in Lake Chillisquaque in April is believed to have sought relief from tanning-bed leg burns in the cold water and by taking an excessive amount of pain medication.
Montour County District Attorney Robert Buehner Jr. reported Wednesday the death of Amanda Dawn Cecil, 30, of Washingtonville, was ruled accidental.
Cecil's body was found April 28 in the lake at PPL Montour Preserve.
Buehner said the investigation revealed that Cecil previously had suffered burns on her lower extremities as a result of falling asleep on a tanning bed. She had been seeking relief earlier that day by icing her legs and taking various medications, according to Buehner.
"Initially, we had so many questions about the death, which was very suspicious," Buehner said Thursday. "We suspected foul play may have been involved. But the autopsy and toxicology tests plus outstanding investigative work by Trooper Matt LaForme of state police at Milton resulted in the death being ruled accidental."
Officials believe Cecil went to the Derry Township lake to place her legs in the cold water and had taken an excessive amount of pain medications that caused her to become unconscious when she stepped into the lake, resulting in her death by drowning.
An autopsy performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Samuel Land of Allentown revealed the cause of death as drowning and mixed drug activity.
The drugs found in her body were all valid prescriptions, Buehner said.
No evidence of any trauma or signs of foul play were found, according to authorities.