Authorities in Scottsdale, Arizona, have released a new update after a womanโ€™s body was discovered in a canal on March 28. The woman has been identified as Passion Schurz, 28, according to the Scottsdale Police Department.

In a press release, police said the initial identification was made using specific tattoos, physical characteristics, and a description of her clothing. Officials added that dental records will be used to formally confirm her identity as soon as possible.

โ€œPassionโ€™s family has been notified of this tragic outcome,โ€ the department said. Scottsdale police also noted that crisis counselors assisted with notifying the family and are continuing to provide support alongside resources from the Salt River Police Department.

Investigators also shared preliminary findings regarding the condition of Schurzโ€™s body. According to police, there were no injuries consistent with fractures, stab wounds, or gunshot wounds. However, the official cause of death has not yet been determined.

The medical examiner is still conducting a full investigation, and authorities said the complete report, including toxicology results, is not expected for several more weeks.

Police emphasized that the investigation remains active.

โ€œScottsdale detectives are working with Salt River Police investigators and the medical examiner to thoroughly investigate this case and piece together how Passion died and ended up in the canal,โ€ the press release stated.

Following Scottsdale Policeโ€™s initial press conference about the body found in the canal, some members of the public questioned whether the case might be connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Pima County. Authorities moved quickly to clarify that the Scottsdale case is not related to Guthrieโ€™s disappearance.

Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Sunday, February 1, and as of this writing, her whereabouts remain unknown. No arrests have been made in connection with that case.

While Schurzโ€™s identification answers one major question in the Scottsdale investigation, many details surrounding her death remain unresolved. Authorities are continuing to work toward determining exactly what happened and how she ended up in the canal.

SOURCE: https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/