Body found at Lahontan identified

SILVER SPRINGS - An autopsy Thursday was unable to determine what caused the death of a Silver Springs woman whose body was found on a beach at Lahontan State Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Barbara Rew-Mara, 41, was found about 1 p.m. by a couple walking their dog along Beach 9 on the northwest side of the park. A friend reported last seeing Rew-Mara when she was dropped off at the beaches of the state park off Highway 95A on Tuesday evening, said Lyon County Sheriff's Detective Rob Hall.

Rew-Mara's clothing was wet when her body was found, Hall said, and her shoes and socks were found nearby with her purse. There were no obvious signs of trauma to the victim.

"At some point, she got into the water. We don't know if she accidentally fell in the water or intentionally went into the water," he said. "All we really know is that she was alive at 9 p.m. on Tuesday and dead at 1 p.m. on Wednesday."

Investigators spent six hours Wednesday processing the scene for clues.

No cause of death was found at an autopsy performed Thursday morning at the Washoe County Coroner's Office.

Hall said he's hoping the toxicology report will be able to determine what killed the seemingly healthy mother of a 17-year-old daughter and a 21-year-old son, both of whom live out of state.

"She didn't have any health issues that I've been made aware of," he said. "The death is still under investigation. At this point, we don't suspect foul play, but it hasn't been ruled out."

Hall asked anyone who may have seen Rew-Mara between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 1 p.m. Wednesday to call him at 577-5206.

Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.