SPD: Pathologist determines Statesville woman’s death was the result of an accident

FROM STAFF REPORTS

After a five-month investigation, the death of a 33-year-old Statesville woman has been ruled an accident.

The Statesville Police Department announced the findings in the death of Shelbie Lynn Smith in a news release Friday morning.

SPD officers responded to a report of a missing four-year-old child at 521 Hickory Avenue on the morning of June 1. The child was found nearby on Wilson Lee Boulevard by a concerned citizen who attempted to return the child home.

Upon arriving at the home, the person found Smith unconscious. Emergency services were called to the scene, but she was pronounced dead on the spot.

Given the circumstances, the SPD Violent Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the NC State Bureau of Investigation, conducted an in-depth investigation. Officers carefully processed the home and collected and tested multiple items to help understand the events leading to Smith’s death, the news release said.

A state pathologist officially ruled Smith’s death an accident.

“Out of respect for the privacy of Ms. Smith’s family, the Statesville Police Department will limit further details released to the public,” police said. “We extend our sincere condolences to Ms. Smith’s family and loved ones at this challenging time and kindly ask the community to respect their privacy.”

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