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Hottenstein’s clothed body, appearing wet from being in the water, was found by a passerby on Sunday morning, Feb.15, at approximately 7:35 a.m. at the street end on 42nd Place at the Sea Isle City Marina. A thorough and comprehensive investigation began into the circumstances of Hottenstein’s death by members of the Cape May Prosecutor’s Office and the Sea Isle City Police Department. Additional resources were requested from the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department Canine Unit to conduct a search of the area, as well as the New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit and Middle Township Police Department to complete a search of the water for articles of clothing worn by Hottenstein.
The investigation to date includes dozens of interviews, sworn statements; review of numerous hours of video recordings from multiple sources, and the review of information obtained from court authorized warrants. The investigation determined Hottenstein was last seen exiting the Ocean Drive Bar and Restaurant located at 3915 Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Feb. 15 and appears to have walked southbound on Landis Avenue. Hottenstein was wearing a black long sleeved top, dark blue jeans, tan Ugg boots, a pink plaid hat, and pink scarf. The hat and one of the boots was subsequently recovered from the water in the area of the marina. Still missing are Hottenstein’s scarf and one of the boots. Hottenstein’s cell phone, purse and vest were left in the Ocean Drive Bar and Restaurant and retrieved by detectives.
After consideration and review of all of the available facts, the cause of death was determined to be “Hypothermia due to exposure complicating acute alcohol intoxication” with the manner ruled as accidental. The weather where Hottenstein was found on Sunday morning during the period from 2:15am to 7:35 a.m. reached a low air temperature of 31°F, wind speed up to 10 mph with gusts up to 12 mph from the NNE, wind chill calculated at 21°F, and the water temperature reached a low of 35°F, according to the records obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The investigation is continuing to gain answers to questions that remain as to the circumstances surrounding how Hottenstein arrived in the area of the marina.
All known witnesses of the events leading to Hottenstein’s discovery on the morning of Feb. 15, have been interviewed. The last interview occurred during the week of May 4. The Prosecutor’s Office and Sea Isle city Police Department continue to request the public’s assistance to determine her whereabouts after leaving the Ocean Drive Bar and Restaurant. Prosecutor Taylor and Sea Isle City Police Chief Thomas D’Intino encourage anyone who saw Hottenstein after 2:15 a.m. on Feb.15, to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-465-1135 or the Sea Isle City Police Department at 609-263-4311.
