Recently released autopsy reports reveal both carbon monoxide poisoning and drug intoxication led or contributed to the deaths of three people within a three-day period earlier this summer while aboard a vessel anchored offshore at Douglas’s Sandy Beach.
[Three people found dead on boat anchored off Sandy Beach]
According to the medical examiner’s reports, the deaths of Curtis Edwin Anderson, 51, and Amoretta Nina Nichele Wesley, 28, were caused by acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Intoxication of methamphetamine was cited as a possible contributing factor to their deaths.
[Police continue investigation into three ‘unusual’ deaths on boat anchored off Sandy Beach]
The death of Erika Lee Judson, 34, was caused by methamphetamine and amphetamines intoxication. However, her autopsy did not show evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning.
All three people were found dead while aboard the Dusky Rock, a 35-foot commercial sailing vessel that had been anchored offshore in Douglas for about a week. Anderson’s body was first discovered Wednesday, May 31, by Judson and was reported to police. Following the recovery of his body, the vessel remained anchored at the location.
Just two days later on Friday, June 2, police then discovered the bodies of the two women, Judson and Wesley, who were aboard the same vessel, following a report by a man who had done a check-up on the vessel and discovered one of what was later found to be the two dead women aboard.
According to an initial investigation of the vessel, police found evidence of controlled substances on the vessel. However, at the time officials characterized the deaths as “unusual,” but said the investigation into the deaths was still ongoing and the causes of the death could not be determined.
According to Juneau Police Department spokesperson Lt. Krag Campbell on Tuesday, the death investigations have been closed following the results of the autopsies. He said further investigation into identifying the source of the drugs and carbon monoxide will remain ongoing pending new information.
The Dusky Rock is currently being auctioned off by the City and Borough of Juneau.
• Contact reporter Clarise Larson at clarise.larson@juneauempire.com or (651)-528-1807.
