An 18-year-old high school student from North Carolina was found dead in a movie theater parking lot in Charlotte on Thursday, May 9, two days after she went missing.
The Matthews Police Department identified the deceased woman as Olivia Bruce in a Facebook update.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers discovered Bruce’s body. According to a press release, officers responded to a call in the 7800 block of Rea Road in Charlotte shortly before 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed that a “female subject” who was “originally reported missing to the Matthews Police Department” was found dead at the scene.
“Unfortunately, a deceased female was found today in the 7800 block of Rea Road in Charlotte and has been identified as Olivia Bruce. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department detectives are now investigating her death,” the department said.
They added that “there is no evidence of foul play at this time.”
PEOPLE has reached out to authorities for comment.
Image of crime scene tape blocking off the area.
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Aerial footage from outside the Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen Cinemas, taken by WSOC-TV, shows the parking lot blocked off with crime scene tape and multiple patrol cars.
According to the Matthews Police Department, Bruce was last seen leaving Providence High School on Tuesday, May 7th.
The Matthews Police Department identified Bruce as “a black female, 5’06”, 120 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes,” who was “wearing light gray sweatpants, a colorful shirt and possibly Converse shoes” and driving a gray Chevrolet Volt from 2017 time of disappearance.
A letter from Providence High School Principal Tracey Harrill was sent to the families after Bruce’s death, according to WSOC-TV.
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Olivia Bruce.
Matthews Police Department
“I am deeply saddened to inform you that one of our students, 18-year-old Olivia Kathleen Bruce, a senior at our school, has died. We pray for her family and friends as they grieve this loss of life,” Harril told WSOC-TV. “Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it’s sudden. We can feel various emotions: shock, sadness or confusion. The most important thing is that we care and support each other.”
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According to the media release, the letter ended with Harril advising the family that a crisis response team would be available to assist with crisis counseling.
PEOPLE has reached out to Harril for comment.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education