American tourist Jessica Colker died from an “extensive skull fracture and asphyxia,” according to autopsy results the Royal Grenada Police Force released Tuesday.
Colker, 39, was killed Sunday after being attacked by a man with a machete while walking with her husband along the beach just before noon, Sylvan McIntyre, assistant superintendent with the police force, told CNN.
A suspect is in custody in connection with Colker’s death and is cooperating with police, McIntyre said. There are no charges at this time, and police will not release his name, photo or criminal record, he said.
Colker’s body was later found on the beach, near where she was last seen, police said. McIntyre told CNN that it was his understanding her husband was unharmed.
Officials did not disclose a motive in the attack.
Colker lived in Atlanta and worked at a children’s hospital there as a physician assistant in anesthesiology.
“Jessica was a valued member of our children’s team,” Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by this horrific news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this very difficult time.”
A neighbor of Colker said she had a “beautiful soul” and was a good friend.
“She was beautiful, alive and vibrant, and she really loved to dance,” Sara Greene told CNN affiliate WSB-TV in Atlanta. “That was her passion. That was how we met several years ago, before she moved here, next door.”
Greene told the station that Colker was the kind of person you could talk to about anything and was a good listener. Colker also loved traveling with her husband.