St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands — On Thursday, June 4, 2026, at approximately 9:56 a.m., a citizen contacted 911 and reported a body floating in the water in the area of Salt Pond Bay. VIPD officers, St. John Rescue, and Fire EMS personnel responded to the area of Salt Pond Bay near Ram Head Trail to conduct an inspection.
Upon their arrival, contact was made with an unresponsive female in the water. She was removed and VIFEMS concluded that the female did not have any vitals signs. The female was positively identified by next of kin as 43-year-old, Julia Reynolds.
A preliminary evaluation indicated drowning to have been the likely cause of death; however, the official cause of death is pending the full autopsy and toxicology report. The female appeared to have sustained postmortem trauma about the body from a large marine animal, unknown at this time. Swimmers are advised to exercise caution when swimming in the area.
Anyone with information in regards to this incident are asked to contact the Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 extensions, 5555 or 5556 or Crime Stoppers V.I. 1-800-222-8477.
