Riverside Park was closed off this morning after police found a 25-year-old woman dead near a tree in the park around West 99th street.
The NYPD was still notifying the woman’s family; Captain Marlon Larin said they are “leaning towards suicide” after finding a bag of prescription medication at her side.
Readers told us that the park was closed above 96th street for much of the morning, with yellow tape around the area. The body was found at 6:50 a.m.
Update: the woman has been identified as Anne Wiswell, who had protested with Occupy Wall Street, according to the New York Post.
“The Southport, Conn.- raised woman struggled with mental-health issues and was on a leave of absence from Hunter College, said family members.”
The Post said she lived in Queens but the Daily News says she lived close to where her body was found.
If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
That park is sketchy
It certainly is not!
Have you been there lately?
You’re blaming the park because an individual with mental health issues chose to commit suicide there?
Exactly what I was thinking David S. Some people should think before they speak.
I’m sorry to say that crime is up in that part of the park. It doesn’t sound like she didn’t commit suicide, but I think the park is worried about their image being tarnished. That’s right where they filmed the Warriors. Please be careful everyone, stay safe.
I saw “The Warriors” when it first came out and I was a 16yo kid here. That vibe was all over the city, and not just in one area. There was even an (Upper East Side) “84th Street Gang” of white kids, like me. The leader, whom my friend knew, reputedly carried a gun, which was very “sketchy” to all of us.
1) “The Warriors” was filmed at least ten blocks (more like twenty) south of the area to which you are referring.
2) “The Warriors” was filmed 30+ years ago. That’s like saying “Don’t Go Into Needle Park!” when there hasn’t been a needle there in 20 years.
3) “The park is worried about their image being tarnished.” I don’t believe we can personify a park. Do you mean the Conservancy?
4) “Sketchiness” of a location has nothing to do with suicidality. Robin Williams lived in a grand house in a posh neighborhood.
I think your comment, while well-intentioned, isn’t germane to the topic.
May this young woman (identified today as a 25-year old who lived on RSD and ~101 St) rest in peace, and may her family find solace.
To quote the movie you mentioned, “Can you dig it? Can you dig it, [Clara]?”
A very beautiful young lady (Pic here:
https://nypost.com/2014/08/09/dog-walker-finds-dead-woman-in-riverside-park/)
this is sad. she had her whole life ahead of her.
Regarding the struggle with mental illness, to the extent it’s true, I can’t overstate the importance of watching for signs and helping, even where you think you might be intruding.
One good NYC org: The Child Mind Institute. (Which, admittedly, works with adolescents, but is doing great research in the field of mental health.)