Christie Watson, 17, of Sharktooth St., Amity, and a senior at Amity High School disappeared late last night around 11pm. The victim had been attending a beach party with friends at a remote part of South Beach. Witnesses last saw the victim leave with Christopher P. Hoggenbottam III, a native islander and sophomore at Trinity College.
The pair decided to go swimming near the South Beach Shoal bell buoy late last night. According to Hoggenbottam, Watson entered the water while he remained on the beach. When the victim's body did not return to the shore, Hoggenbottam notified police at about 6 a.m.
The body of the victim was discovered early this morning by Police Deputy Jay Hendricks. The mangled body was sent to the coroners office for an autopsy.
Police investigators learned from witnesses that the pair had been drinking heavily and may or may not have been under the influence of marijuana.
An accidental drowning is not out of the question, but the victim was a licensed lifeguard and swim team member. Also, the seas were calm late last night into the morning at a temperature of 65 degrees and a light wind of 3 knots.
The investigation is underway and no charges have been filed. The severely mauled body is due to an unknown attacker but authorities assure that residents and visitors are not in danger. A shark attack hasn't been ruled out but at this point no beaches or waters have been closed to the public.
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