Accidental drowning ruled as cause of death of woman found in Upper Truckee River

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The cause of death of the Sacramento resident whose body was found in the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe on April 9, 2017 has been as accidental drowning by the El Dorado County Coroner.

Pamela Suswinsky, 62, was in town with her ex-husband and friend, Henry Suwinsky, and they were staying at the Motel 6 on Lake Tahoe Blvd. Henry said they came to town because she wanted her dog, Wilson, a 150-plus pound Newfoundland to experience snow for the first time.

She was reported missing by the ex on April 3 after he said he hadn't seen her all day. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) said she did not take her purse, cell phone, dog or her car but they believed she had her ID and credit cards on her.

They initiated a search and asked for the public's help in finding Pam. Her friends and locals joined together in a search.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Dive Team found Pam's body in the Upper Truckee River within a mile of her hotel on April 9, the same day as the friend's formed search team in areas near the Motel 6. When they reconvened at the Post Office at Al Tahoe, SLTPD detectives and Lt. Shannon Laney broke the news to the gathered group.

The circumstances surrounding her death were suspicious, and the initial autopsy showed that she had drowned, but how she ended up downing was of great concern to the investigators, as at first glance, it just seemed to not make sense according to Laney. What added to the suspicion were some statements being made by her ex-husband, including when he said he did not expect to see her again as well as his saying Pam took a fall the night before in the Motel 6 parking lot.

SLTPD pooled resources and initiated a full homicide investigation into her death. During the past year, several search warrants were executed in different jurisdictions including Sacramento and San Jose, numerous interviews were completed, cell phone tower information collected and evidence processed, per a press release by Laney. In the end they, along with their partner agencies, said they are confident that this was just a tragic accident and, after the coroner's decision, have closed their investigation.

"Our most sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Pamela, and our heartfelt gratitude goes out of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the El Dorado County DA’s office and the San Jose Police Department for their assistance in this investigation. We would also like to thank Pamela’s family and friends who have had patience during this year long process," said Laney in a statement.

- South Tahoe Now staff report