Cause of woman's death along Alpine trail a mystery

There isn't enough information to determine the cause of a Sun Valley woman's death along an Alpine County trail last spring.

Leslie Lee Gray, 51, disappeared March 31, when her vehicle was seen parked at a popular trailhead next to Hangman's Bridge near Markleeville.

A five-day search was conducted after it was determined she was missing, but she wasn't located.

A hiker discovered the body May 8 slightly less than a mile up the Barney Riley trail from where her car was parked. Gray's identity was established by DNA testing.

Because of the state of the body, and the lack of physical evidence indicating foul play, Alpine County authorities in consultation with the Washoe County Coroner believe Gray died of natural causes, Sgt. Ron Michitarian said Friday.

According to the Washoe County Recorder's Office, Gray sold her home of 11 years on March 25.

A few days after her vehicle was spotted, Alpine County deputies started searching for her along the Carson River.