Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael Hunt said the official cause of death of a Hattiesburg woman whose body was found off County Lake Road on Sept. 4 is still undetermined.
Hunt said he’s almost certain Virgina T. Hood, 45, died of natural causes given she had a “critical medical history” and the fact her body showed no signs of trauma.
However, because the body was badly decomposed there wasn’t enough physical evidence to make a 100-percent determination.
Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects patient privacy, Hunt could not disclose Hood’s medical history.
Hunt said the state coroner, which identified Hood using dental records, is awaiting toxicology results from an out-of-state lab to make a determination.
“There just wasn’t enough fluid there,” Hunt said. “There’s a specialist lab we’re waiting to hear from until we close it out.”
Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy George Carrithers said their investigation is closed.
Hood’s body was discovered on Sept. 4 in a wooded area by people riding four-wheelers. According to the OCSO, foul play hasn’t been suspected since her body was discovered.
Hood was never reported missing.
It’s unknown how long Hood’s body went undiscovered.
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