A forensic autopsy on the Schuylkill Haven woman found dead in her home indicates the cause of death was diabetic ketoacidosis, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven.
The report is preliminary, officials emphasized Thursday. Foul play is not believed to be a factor in her death.
Haley Mills, 25, who lived at 20 Parkway, was found Jan. 6 in her living room. Police suspect she had been dead for 48 hours when a friend found her.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition that results in too many ketones, flooding a person’s bloodstream with excess chemicals, according to the American Diabetes Association. It can cause death.
“The investigation is still ongoing pending the final forensic pathologist’s report and toxicology report,” according to state police.
The cause of death for Mills has not been finalized, Schuylkill County Coroner David Moylan III said Thursday.
Police said the observations of injury to the victim’s neck, which two deputy coroners had identified as ligature marks, or pressure points, were determined to be “superficial and most likely caused by prolonged positional contact at the time of death,” police said.
State police had said her death appeared to be “definitely suspicious” and signs of a struggle appeared to be evident and that the victim being found on the stairs appears to be “consistent with a struggle.”
State police Trooper Ethan Brownback said Thursday the death doesn’t appear suspicious but cautioned the investigation continues.
Information sought for a search warrant of the property approved by Magisterial District Judge David Plachko Monday sought items that could be helpful in the investigation.
State police Trooper Kody Rittenbaugh said a friend of Mills, Hugo Noel, was the last person to see the victim alive Friday.
Noel told police he spent all day New Year’s day with Mills. He left her Jan. 2 between 5 and 6 p.m., but said she was OK.
He told police he went to her house at 2 p.m. Jan. 6 at the request of family members. He found Mills unresponsive on the stairwell and called police.
Money was found strewn about the living room. Mills was wearing only a sweatshirt.
Deputies who arrived on scene Jan. 6 determined the young woman had been dead for about 48 hours. Brownback said Mills lived at the home, but declined to say if anyone else lived there.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Schuylkill Haven State Police at 570-754-4600.
Meanwhile, A GoFundMe page, Help Haley rest in peace, has been established for help raise money for her funeral.
Established by Kristina Mullen, who describes herself as Mills’ aunt, the effort seeks to raise $10,000. As of Thursday, $515 has been raised.