Body Found in Lake Identified as Missing Teleka Patrick
Authorities have confirmed that the body discovered in an Indiana lake Sunday is that of Teleka Patrick, a Kalamazoo, Michigan, doctor declared missing since December.
An Indiana State press release revealed that an autopsy had positively identified the body as Patrick, according to Michigan Live.
"While the autopsy was able to confirm identity, investigation continues to determine the cause of death," the press release said. "Pending toxicology results may provide additional information as to the cause of death."
Patrick was found with car keys, $100 and a pager, reported Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller. He also noted that there were no signs of foul play or trauma, adding that the initial cause of death seemed to be drowning.
After a full-scale search that involved a sonar search of the lake in January, Patrick's body was ultimately found by a fisherman in Lake Charles in Porter, Indiana. Her gold Lexus, which officials found abandoned on Dec. 5, the night of her disappearance, had been parked nearby.
Patrick's family reached out to the public on the "Find Teleka" Facebook page, insisting that her death was not a suicide.
"Teleka had a passion and zest for life and no matter the circumstances that led up to her death, we are certain that she would not have taken her own life," her family said.
"Many questions remain, but what is certain is that we will love her forever and her legacy will continue to live on in the love we show to others."
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(Photo: AP Photo/Family Photo via Kalamazoo Gazette-MLive Media Group)