Forensic Report Says Rio Lawyer Died by Drowning After Leblon Disappearance

Overview

• A necropsy report concluded that Tamirys Teixeira Santos died from asphyxia caused by drowning, with the examiner noting sand in her lungs and signs of a stroke.
• The body, located Tuesday afternoon on Botafogo beach after a morning search by firefighters, was identified by relatives on Wednesday at the medical examiner’s office.
• The 36-year-old lawyer was last seen Saturday entering the sea at Leblon after time at a beach kiosk with friends, who left before she returned, and staff later found her bag, phone, and clothes.
• Investigators are taking statements and reviewing available video, though nearby kiosk cameras do not capture the sand where she sat, and firefighters said the sea was considered calm with no rescue calls in that area.
• People who work on the beach reported alcohol use in the group and a possible dispute with an ex-boyfriend before she entered the water, which police are examining as they say no line of inquiry is ruled out.