Update on body of woman found on Mt Victoria #4

Police have confirmed that the body of a 39-year-old woman found on Monday (9 July) near a running track on Wellington’s Mt Victoria, is Sofia Helen Athanassiou, of Newtown.

Police yesterday (Tuesday 10 July) formally identified Ms Athanassiou, but delayed naming her until today to allow family members to be informed of her death. Her body was found by a group of joggers about 11am on Monday, off a running track near Alexandra Park, above Wellington Girls’ East College.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Sofia’s family during this very difficult time,” said Detective Inspector Paul Basham of Wellington CIB. “Her family have also asked for privacy and space while they try to come to terms with her death.”

Mr Basham said a post mortem examination completed late yesterday was inconclusive and Police were now awaiting the results of further laboratory tests which may help explain how or why Ms Athanassiou died. Those tests could take up to six weeks.

“While it will ultimately be for the Coroner to determine the cause of death, we are still treating Sofia’s death as ‘unexplained’ and a key focus of the police investigation is establishing how or why she died".

Twelve investigators continue to work on the case.

“A key area of interest for Police is hearing from anyone who was in the Alexandra Park / Mt Victoria town belt area around 11am on Monday morning, or who may have other relevant information about Sofia’s movements before her death. We ask anyone with this information to please come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact:

Wellington Police ph 04 381 2000

Crime stoppers: ph 0800 555 111