The death of a 55-year-old woman, Patricia Elder, from Gaylord was confirmed by the Michigan State Police after the U.S. Coast Guard recovered her body in the icy Straits of Mackinac Saturday morning, January 16.

Coast Guard Station St. Ignace received a call for assistance with a search that morning, Chief Petty Officer Jon Tracy said, but because of 30-knot winds, he said they made the decision that the weather exceeded the limitations of their ice rescue gear and called a rescue helicopter in from Traverse City. The helicopter arrived at 9:40 a.m. and a rescue swimmer was able to recover a body from the water between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. The helicopter transported the woman to Mackinac County Airport in St. Ignace, where an ambulance was waiting.

Officials speculate Ms. Elder may have taken her own life.

Those seeking support and information about suicide prevention may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1- 800-273-TALK (8255), which is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week and connects the caller to a certified crisis center in the area.