The body found in the Santa Barbara Harbour on September 3 has been formally identified by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner as 64-year-old Susan Vaughn, a Santa Barbara native. Raquel Zick, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office, said although the official cause and manner of death are still under investigation, there is not now any evidence of foul play.
About 12:43 p.m., the sad event happened when a bystander saw a woman unconscious in the water close to Stearns Wharf. Reacting quickly, a Good Samaritan bravely went into the harbour to try to save the woman. The person was able to alert a nearby vessel while in the water, which arrived right away to offer emergency relief.
Quick to answer the crisis call were emergency medical professionals and the Santa Barbara Harbour Patrol. Susan Vaughn was declared dead on-site despite their best attempts before she could be driven to a hospital.
What Happened?
According to preliminary Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) findings, Vaughn might have purposefully jumped over the Stearns Wharf railing and into the sea, causing the bystander to try rescue later on. The exact conditions are yet unknown and under continuous study.
Police Investigations
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau has now received the case and taken over custody of Vaughn’s remains and additional investigation. Authorities will provide more information when they become available; right now they are trying to notify her next of kin.
Officials have praised the Good Samaritan who tried to save Vaughn’s life.
