MONROE COUNTY, MO. (THECOUNT) — Raffaella Maria Stroik has been identified as the young woman found dead in a Perry, Missouri lake Wednesday, according to State Highway Patrol officials.
The body of Stroik, 23, was found Wednesday more than 100 miles northwest of St. Louis in the Mark Twain Lake after she was last seen Monday morning at a Whole Foods Market in the St. Louis suburb of Town and Country, Missouri, officials said.
|
Advertisement |
Authorities are investigating the death of a St. Louis ballerina who was found dead in a lake in Perry, MO Wednesday.
More than 100 law enforcement officers, volunteers and family members were searching for her in the Mark Twain State Park when a private plane pilot who had joined the search spotted her body in the water, officials said in a statement. source
There were no immediate signs of foul play, but the investigation into her death is still ongoing, Missouri Highway Patrol officials said.
Stroik had joined the Saint Louis Ballet last year, performing in the company’s productions of “Cinderella,” “Giselle,” “The Nutcracker” and “La Vie.”
“She was a wonderful dancer and a beautiful person. We extend our condolences to her family. We are so very sad over the loss of this talented and beautiful spirit,” the company said in a statement.
The young dancer was also a ballet teacher at Expressions Academy of Dance in Belleville, Illinois, according to the studio’s website.
Anyone with possible information on the fatal incident should contact police at 911.