UPDATE: Officials release cause of death of Star Valley teen
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UPDATE
Following an autopsy conducted Wednesday, Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue has concluded Kayden Tapia’s heart failed as a result of a possibly genetic-condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The Mayo Clinic defines hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. The thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood, which eventually can lead to heart failure.
During a news conference, authorities said the death is no longer being classified as suspicious.
Originally, detectives identified four men seen leaving the area shortly before the body was located. Interviews with the men were conducted and authorities determined the juveniles had no contact with Tapia prior to his death.
ORIGINAL STORY
JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming — The Teton County coroner is holding a news conference Thursday afternoon to discuss details surrounding the death of a Star Valley teenager.
Kayden Quinn Tapia, 16, was found Tuesday morning in a wooded area along the Snake River off of Highway 22 near Emily’s Pond, east of Wilson.
Preliminary investigations revealed no obvious trauma, according to the Teton County Sheriff’s Office. The Coroner’s Office was notified to conduct further medical examination.
Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue will release autopsy findings Thursday at 2 p.m. and answer questions regarding Tapia’s death.
EastIdahoNews.com is covering the news conference and will update this story as we learn new details.