Houston Bayou Deaths: Examining Causes and Undetermined Cases Since 2023

Increase in Bayou Deaths

• 📈 The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences reports an increase in bodies examined from Houston Bayous over the past three years.
• 📅 In 2023, nine bodies were examined; in 2024, 20 bodies were examined; and so far this year, 24 bodies have been examined.

Breakdown of Death Causes

• ❓ The manner of death is undetermined in 23 cases, meaning circumstances cannot be established with reasonable medical certainty.
• 🚗 Accidents account for 15 deaths, with 13 of those specifically being drownings.
• ⚠️ Nine cases are currently pending further investigation.
• ⚖️ Three cases were ruled as suicide.
• 🔪 Three cases were ruled as homicide.

Homicide Investigations

• 🕵️ Houston police have made arrests in two of the three homicide cases.
• 🔍 The third homicide case remains under investigation.

Unresolved Cases

• 🎓 The manner of death for UFH student Jade McKisick, whose body was found last month, is still pending.
• 🔬 Further information and testing are required before the investigation into her death can be completed.