Woman Found in Lake Tahoe Identified

Sandra Jean Gray-Preston, a 57-year-old South Lake Tahoe resident, was identified as the woman found floating in Lake Tahoe near Timbercove Marina, authorities said.

An autopsy is scheduled today which should help reveal Gray-Preston's cause of death, although authorities are investigating her death as a murder.

Her body was spotted Thursday morning by a man walking a dog and retrieved by South Lake Tahoe police Sgt. Dave Stevenson.

Police Lt. Marty Hale said a white coat found around 2 p.m. — about six hours after Gray-Preston's body was discovered — contained items that led authorities to learn her identity.

Hale would not disclose the items were in the coat.

In addition, fingerprints of the woman were sent to the Department of Justice, which also identified the woman as Gray-Preston.

Next of kin has been notified.

Authorities continue to seek information on how Gray-Preston may have died. Hale said Gray-Preston lived at Lakeland Village, known primarily as a vacation rental area. Gray-Preston also spent time in Elk Grove, Hale said.

Hale and another officer planned to visit the marina area again to search for clues.

"We're still moving forward on trying to find the answers," Hale said.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at (530) 542-6100.

— E-mail William Ferchland at wferchland@tahoedailytribune.com