Drowning Case Still Investigated

Initial autopsy reports for a Fillmore woman found dead in her pool show no signs of foul play, but Ventura County sheriff’s deputies will continue to investigate the death as suspicious, authorities said Saturday.

Helga Reed, 54, died of fresh-water drowning Friday afternoon, Ventura County Deputy Coroner Jim Wingate said. “The autopsy showed no significant trauma on the body,” he said.

Reed was found fully clothed and floating face down by perspective buyers of her home at 432 Foothill Drive, according to Sheriff’s Lt. Lance Young. He said the case is considered a suspicious death, and has not been categorized as a homicide or suicide at this time.

Neighbors said Reed moved into her home a few months ago and knew how to swim. She was often visited by her sons and was planning to sell her house, they said.

“It was a very unusual circumstance,” said Debbie Vierra, who lives nearby. “It’s a real old neighborhood. A lot of people have lived here for years. It’s terrible.”