Authorities in Thailand continue their investigation into the death of a woman whose body was found by Thai park rangers on January 18th. The woman has since been identified as Lily Glidden of Freeville, NY. She was 24-years-old.

Glidden was a 2012 graduate of Tufts University where she majored in Biology. She was known for her interest in animals and the outdoors.

Representatives of Tufts University said the institution was, “saddened to learn of the death of Lily Glidden.”

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this talented young woman.”

Glidden was last seen at the campground in Kaeng Krachan National Park, located in the Phetchaburi province. Her body was found five days later.

Given the severity of the injuries to her body, authorities in Thailand felt that elephants were likely responsible. Police Col. Woradet Suanklaai said that police felt that she had gone to look for elephants to photograph.

“Looking at the pictures she took in her camera, we see a lot of animals, birds, snakes, lizards. We assumed she wanted to take pictures of elephants because that’s what the Kaeng Krachan National Park is famous for.”

American trampled to death by an elephant in Thailand was well acquainted w/ dangerous animals: http://t.co/vnXW5GF6XV via @TracyConnorNYC

— John Baiata (@JBaiata) January 24, 2014

In a statement reported by NBC News, the family of Glidden said that she was, “very aware of the dangers of working with wildlife and not a person to court foolish risks, particularly where animals were involved.”

Whether this statement implies the belief that foul play was involved has not been determined, though those who knew her do not believe she would take an encounter with an animal as unpredictable and potentially dangerous as an elephant lightly.

Glidden was an experienced hiker and reportedly knew how to respond to chance encounters with dangerous animals. Says her family, “[Glidden had] an educated and dedicated respect for the natural world”.

Image via Wikimedia Commons