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Park ranger: Woman freezes to death at Smith Point

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Smith Point Park Ranger Vehicle

A Bellport woman froze to death after her vehicle got stuck in the outer beach of Smith Point County Park in Shirley, according to the park ranger who found her yesterday morning.

Suffolk police said 67-year-old Christine Brown’s body was found at about 9:50 a.m. Thursday approximately ¼ mile away from her 2006 Chevrolet, which appeared to be stuck in the sand.

Park Ranger William Heison, who was patrolling the beach Friday in a pickup truck, said he and maintenance crews found her on the road back to main entrance. The vehicle was near Cut 2 of the outer beach and likely got stuck in the sand thanks in part to heavy winds, he said.

“You think the winds are bad today? You should have seen them yesterday.”

“She wasn’t dressed for the weather,” Heison said. “It’s sad.”

Smith Point Park Beach
Smith Point County Park, Shirley

Seventh Precinct and Marine Bureau officers responded to the scene. Brown was transported to the Suffolk County medical examiner officer for an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. The death does not appear to be criminal in nature, police said.

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