The death of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez left a lasting mark on Texas history on March 31, 1995.
The days of grieving, by both family and fans, that followed 24 years ago were captured by photographers and are now part of the LIFE Picture Collection.
According to a preliminary autopsy report, Selena Not Afraid’s death was caused by hypothermia, Big Horn County Undersheriff Eric Winburn said on Thursday.
The completion of toxicological reports, which could take a few more weeks, will be required before a final report is completed, he said.
According to a news release from Big Horn County Attorney Jay Harris, the preliminary findings did not show any bodily harm indicative of an attack or physical abuse. Although the evidence points to a death from exposure to the elements, an official cause of death will not be determined until the entire toxicology report is available.
According to Winburn, the body had not been moved from where it was discovered. Not Afraid’s death is being looked at by Harris’ office as a potential criminal matter.
After breaking down at a rest area on her way back from a party in Billings, Not Afraid was reported missing on January 1st. She was last seen by her pals, who were in a vehicle, strolling towards a field. According to the initial accounts, she was drunk when the incident happened. According to investigators, the other drunken passengers in the car gave them “conflicting statements” about where Not Afraid was.
About a mile and a half from the rest stop, professional trackers from the U.S. Department of Interior conducted a grid search of the area on Monday and discovered her body.
Before submitting the findings to the County Attorney Jay Harris’ office, according to Winburn, all the investigative reports must be finished.
Dr. Robert Kurtzman, the chief medical examiner for Montana, performed the autopsy at the Montana Crime Lab in Billings.
As soon as we learn more, we’ll keep you informed.
Portraits of the Quintanilla family after Selena’s death, presented by the LIFE Picture Collection
