title: Bodies found in the waterways of New York City.
abstract: We reviewed the case records for all decedents recovered from the waterways of New York City over a three year period (1997-2000). The epidemiological profile, circumstances, toxicology findings, putrefactive changes, date of recovery, length of immersion, and injuries were examined. There were 123 deaths: 52 suicides, 50 undetermined, 16 accidents, and five homicides. The causes of death included: 97 drownings, 13 undetermined, and 13 other. Of all the floating decedents, 27% were without putrefactive change. All found after two or more weeks of immersion were recovered from November to May. The detection of ethanol and illicit drugs was 53% in the accident, 41% in the suicide, and 33% in the undetermined groups. Detection of ethanol and/or drugs of abuse is not a reliable criterion to distinguish suicide from accident. The identification of the deceased is pivotal for determining the manner of these deaths. Therefore, a great reliance is placed upon the medical investigator and the police (including the missing persons bureau) to determine the circumstances and identification of the decedent.
authors.affiliation: New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: Lara B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Goldfeder
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D002423:Cause of Death; D004332:Drowning; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water