Cruise Ship Singer Mystery Death: 24-Year-Old Lost Life at Sea (VIDEO)
Authorities have ruled out foul play in the death of a 24-year old college graduate working aboard a Seven Seas Voyager cruise ship whose body was found Sunday in Australia.
A crime scene investigation was launched immediately after the cruise ship docked on Sunday in Darwin Harbour, and members aboard discovered the body of the young girl. Jackie Kastrinelis of Groveland, Massachusetts was a member of the entertainment crew and a lead singer aboard the ship.
Kastrinelis' body was found in her room to the complete surprise of other crewmembers, reports said. A crewmember, whose name was not provided, alleged that the University of Hartford graduate had hit her head the day before during rehearsals, according to Cruise Law News.
The source added that a cruise ship doctor might have provided Kastrinelis with medication after the incident. Authorities are now conducting an autopsy and toxicology report, although it could be weeks before the results are made public.
Family members were in Australia on Thursday to collect their daughter's body. Close friends and teachers remembered Kastrinelis, a previous reporter for her school news station, as a bright star.
"She stood out a little bit brighter ... but you can say that about anybody," Michael Morris, the director of music for the University of Hartford School of Theatre division, told ABC News. "But about Jackie it is absolutely true."
Authorities have revealed few other details regarding the case.
"The Regent Seven Seas Cruises' family is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Jackie," the Miami-based cruise line said in a statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones."
