Coroner Reveals Tragic Cause of Death of Actress in Upstate NY

Coroner Reveals Tragic Cause of Death of an Actress in Upstate NY

Her death was tragic and a sobering reminder that life is precious and that none of us are guaranteed anything in this world when the body of a well-known actress was found back on June 26th in Upstate New York.

Sadly, State Police believe she drown while trying to swim in a river near the New York/Canadian border.

According to multiple sources, Mary Mara, a 61-year-old actress known for her roles in ER and Criminal Minds was found lifeless on that Sunday morning in Cape Vincent, New York - approximately 3.5 hours northwest of Albany.

State Police believe she drowned trying to swim in a river near the New York/Canadian border and the coroner's report confirms that.

According to the Daily Voice, the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office performed a post-mortem examination and determined that her manner of death was an accident.  Sadly, she died due to asphyxiation while drowning in the St. Lawrence River.

Mary loved the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River perhaps more than anywhere else. Like many in Syracuse, she began going there as a child and vacationed there nearly every summer. "The River" was Mary's peace, solace, and renewal. Now, it has carried her home. -Obituary for Mary Mara

Mara, a very busy actress throughout her career, was born in Syracuse, New York, and had recurring roles in popular TV shows ER, NYPD Blue, The West Wing, Star Trek, and more.

According to the press release from State Police, on June 26th, just after 8 am, police responded to 33753 Old Farm Road in the town of Cape Vincent, Jefferson County for a reported possible drowning.

Upon arriving at the scene, Troopers and local first responders found Mara deceased in the St. Lawrence River while visiting her sister Martha's summer home in Upstate New York.

In her heyday, Mara was a very busy actress landing prominent roles on some of TV's most popular shows.

People.com says the actress had recurring roles on hit shows Criminal Minds, Nash Bridges, NYPD Blue, Law & Order, The Practice, Star Trek: Enterprise, Lost, Dexter, and Shameless, Ally McBeal, Judging Amy, The West Wing, 7th Heaven, Monk, Nip/Tuck, and Bones.

According to People, Mara's last on-screen appearance came in 2020 and she was currently living in Syracuse, after spending many years living in NYC and California.