Woman’s death in Statesville ruled accidental after missing child led to her being found unresponsive

STATESVILLE, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — A woman's death has been ruled accidental after she was found unresponsive in June , the Statesville Police Department reports.

On June 1, a 4-year-old went missing from a home on Hickory Avenue and was found nearby on Wilson Lee Boulevard, police say. A concerned citizen tried to take the child home, but when the citizen got to the child's home, they found 33-year-old Shelbie Lynn Smith unresponsive.

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First responders were called and Smith was pronounced dead at the home. An investigation was launched involving Statesville Police's Violent Crimes Unit and the State Bureau of Investigation, which ultimately resulted in a pathologist ruling that Smith's death was accidental.

On Nov. 8, officials announced the ruling, stating that no more details would be released out of respect for her family.

"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Ms. Smith's family and loved ones during this challenging time and kindly ask the community to respect their privacy," the police department wrote.