A Linwood woman drowned in her pool Sunday night, according to a preliminary autopsy.
Police were called to the home on the 2100 block of Shore Road about 7 p.m. after family members were unable to reach her.
Erika Pelandis, 32, was found in the bottom of the pool, acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain said in a statement. An autopsy determined she died from asphyxia due to drowning. The manner of death is pending investigation.
Pelandis’ husband, Stavros, is cooperating with the investigation, said his attorney, James Leonard Jr., calling it “a tragic and unfortunate accidental death.”
“Mr. Pelandis has been and will continue to be cooperative with those investigating the death of his wife, but at this time his primary focus is the well-being of his two young children, who are extremely grief-stricken over the loss of their mother, as is Mr. Pelandis,” Leonard said. “This is a traditional, tight-knit family who has been devastated by this untimely death.”
Police tape surrounded the home near Kirklin Avenue on Sunday night. About 15 emergency vehicles were on the scene, including police from Northfield and Linwood and detectives from the Prosecutor's Office.
No charges have been filed.
Contact Lynda Cohen:
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