Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Death of a woman whose body was found in Spokane River Friday ruled a suicide

The death of a woman who drowned in the Spokane River, and whose body was found early Friday morning, has been a ruled a suicide by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office but Major Crimes detectives are still investigating her death.

Selena Rose McGivern, 44, died of drowning and blunt force injuries. Police want to talk to anyone who saw McGivern between 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. Friday. She was last seen wearing a green coat and purple fleece pajama pants.

A homeowner who lives along the river near Peaceful Valley spotted the body early Friday morning floating in the water near their gazebo. Witnesses who saw the recovery say the woman was partially nude.

A representative of the medical examiner’s office said Tuesday that it’s not uncommon for victims of suicide in rivers to be found with bruising along their body and with articles of clothing missing.

Anyone who saw McGivern from 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 8:00 a.m. Friday is asked to contact Det. Hill at (509) 625-4011.