A woman was found dead in a Cortez park early Monday, Montezuma County Coroner Charlie Rosenbaugh confirmed.
The body of 47-year-old Mary Rose Shay was found around 7:30 a.m. in Parque De Vida between the recreation center and pond. Although the death is still under investigation, hypothermia and alcohol consumption are suspected at this time, Rosenbaugh said.
An autopsy will be performed, said Cortez Police Chief Roy Lane.
No further information was available at this time.
Four hypothermia-related deaths were reported in Cortez parks since January of 2010, including Michael Tag Garner, a well-known homeless man who was discovered in early January 2011.
Bridge Emergency Shelter Executive Director Sara Wakefield said the news was extremely disheartening.
Its a tragedy that unfortunately we see most years, she said. Its exactly why the shelter is here. We really hope to see less of this every year.
She said the shelter use has been going up rapidly of late. The shelter opens at 6 p.m. and guests must leave at 7 a.m. She said that alcohol use inside the shelter is not allowed but they accept anyone regardless of whether they are intoxicated or not.
The emergency shelter is located at 601 N. Mildred Road and the phone number is 565-9808.
Dale Shrull contributed to the report.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com.
