ABC producer Anne Swaney was killed this week while she was on vacation in Belize.
Thursday morning, Swaney was doing yoga near the Mopan River close to the resort when she was allegedly sexually assaulted before she was killed. After a tour guide spotted her yoga mat but did not see Swaney, the guide alerted authorities that Swaney was missing.
Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu said that Swaney’s body was discovered the next day floating in the river. She was wearing only her bra.
“We suspect that she may have been sexually violated,” Arzu said. “She had bruises around her neck that reveals that there might have been some strangulation or some sort of fight back.”
The investigation is still ongoing, and a suspect in the case has not yet been identified.
“She was a trailblazer in the digital news space and was one of our first website employees,” said John H. Idler, president of ABC7. “Anne helped us evolve our business and our newsroom, but most importantly, she was a kind person who was always had a smile and a positive attitude.”
“We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss. Our consular staff is providing all possible consular assistance,” said a statement from a State Department official.