Press Release Exercise

Various Causes of Death Being Investigated At Amity Beach When Body Was Found Washed Up On Shore

AMITY - The body of a 17-year-old girl was found washed up on South Beach in Amity Mass. early this morning. Her cause of death is being investigated as police and other officials are failing to rule out a possible shark attack.

The body has been identified as Chistine W. Watson, of 23 Sharstooth St. in Amity Mass. Watson was last seen leaving a beach party at one of Amity's fine beaches at around 11 p.m Sunday evening with another male teen who has been identified as Christopher P. Hoggenbottam III.

At a press conference that took place earler today, Robert Nevin, Amity's Medical Director commented on the autopsy already consucted on Watson. He said "The autopsy showed wounds that seem to be consistent with other moter boating accidents seen on our beaches."

With it being a clear night of 72 degrees F with calm waters, it is likely that many fisherman and others in moterboats were out off shore.

Larry Vaughan, Amity's mayor followed up on Nevin's statement by indicating that all who keep moter boats in the harbor are being investigated. All other causes of death are being considered as well.

Hoggenbottam discussed the events leading up to the tragic incident earlier today. Watson was "a member of the varsity swim team at Amity High School," said Hoggenbottam. "Her and a lifeguard at the Amity Island YMCA pool in Oak Bluffs decided to go swimming." The two entered the water at a remote section of South Beach near the South Beach bell buoy.

Hoggenbottam notified police at appoximately 6 a.m. Monday morning when Watson had not returned from the water. A brief search was conducted when Watson's mangled body was found early on washed up on the beach. Amity Police Cheif, Martin Brody indicated that she had been severely mauled by an attacker of an unknown origin.

Watson's body has already been transported to the coroner's office for autopsy. Police have failed to yet make any charges regarding this case as they continue their investigation into the incident.

Brody along with other police investigators learned from witnesses that both teenagers had been drinking heavily and possibly smoking marijuana throughout the evening.

With a shark attack being only one of many possible causes of death, Amity officials wish to assure all residents and visitors that they believe them to be in no danger. Amity's lovely beaches remain open to the public for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation.