COLUMBUS, Ind. – In a news release from the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office, Coroner Clayton Nolting says a woman discovered in East Fork White River on March 27, has been identified as Betsy J. Gehrt, 59, of Columbus. The body was found in the river by a kayaker.
After routine attempts to identify the woman failed, the coroner’s office collaborated with Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the Indiana State Police laboratory to positively identify the woman using fingerprints and DNA.
The coroner stated a forensic autopsy was performed and completed on March 29 at Columbus Regional Hospital. Officials are still waiting on toxicology results.
Nolting said, “The work put in by all agencies involved shows the dedication to serving the citizens of Bartholomew County. The Coroner’s Office extends its condolences to the family of Ms. Gehrt.”