New York City woman found dead on Montauk trail identified as Lauren Balik, 35

State police on Friday identified the woman found dead on a hiking trail in Camp Hero state park in Montauk on Thursday as 35-year-old Lauren Balik of New York City.

Trooper Brittany Burton, a state police spokesperson, confirmed Balik’s identity Friday, noted that state police are investigating and that “there is no threat to the public.”

Hikers discovered Balik’s body Thursday afternoon along a trail in the park, Burton said. Authorities have not released a cause of death and the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities have not released a cause of death or additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the woman’s passing.

An X account using the handle @laurenbalik matched some key details released by police. The account identified its user as being from New York City and included a June 9 post stating, “Steven Charles Balik. Born October 13, 1990” — the same birth date confirmed by state police.

Steven Charles Balik
Born October 13, 1990
Reston, Virginia

— Steven Balik (@laurenbalik) June 9, 2026

The @laurenbalik X account — identified as belonging to Steven Balik — remained active in the days before Balik’s body was discovered. It has 33,000 followers.

In a June 8 post, the user wrote about “mini golf courses,” “water slides,” public schools and community development. Other recent posts discussed artificial intelligence, technology, investing and social issues.

The account also featured frequent commentary about the New York Knicks and their playoff run.

😘 https://t.co/YkYj5EenCO pic.twitter.com/zFaCpzECcC

— Steven Balik (@laurenbalik) June 7, 2026

A Substack account bearing Balik’s name — and linked to the @laurenbalik X account likewise showed recent activity. Posts published this year ranged from observations about artificial intelligence and social media to literature, investing, business ideas and civic engagement.

In a March post, the author wrote about seeking investors for new business ventures. Other entries contained cultural commentary, humor and reflections on current events.

The case is the latest unexplained death in Montauk to attract public interest. Last summer, Manhattan fashion designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, was found unresponsive aboard a docked boat at the Montauk Yacht Club.

Authorities later said an autopsy found no signs of violence, though few additional details were publicly released.

Anyone with information about Balik’s death is asked to contact New York State Police.

_{Top: Camp Hero in Montauk (Nicholas Esposito photo).}