No foul play found in death of Cristian Zamora
Cristian Antonio Zamora has not been seen since Dec. 31, according to Champaign Police Department Detective Sergeant Dennis Baltzell.
March 7, 2015
Cristian Zamora’s autopsy showed no signs of trauma or foul play, according to a press release from Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup.
Zamora, a 2014 University graduate and Champaign resident, had been missing since Dec. 31, 2014. His body, frozen under ice in Urbana’s Crystal Lake Park, was recovered Friday. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:55 p.m.
“We don’t know yet, we think that he probably slipped and fell,” said Jeannie Douglas, Zamora’s aunt. “But we don’t know yet.”
The preliminary autopsy was conducted Saturday at the Champaign County Coroner’s Regional Autopsy Facility in Urbana.
In a press release, the Champaign County Coroner’s office said the final autopsy results are pending further studies.
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In a February interview, Champaign Police Department Detective Sergeant Dennis Baltzell said the department planned to search Crystal Lake once the weather improved. Friday’s weather was a high of 26 degrees.
Douglas said she believes his influence on those around him was great, and she hopes he continues to be known for his optimism.
“I want everyone to remember his smile,” Douglas said. “That’s how I believe he would want everybody to remember him.”
