Decatur, GA – Doctor Kris Sperry, Chief Medical Examiner for Georgia, released the cause and manner of death this afternoon for University of Georgia student Rebecca Greene.  Dr. Sperry’s findings are that Miss Greene’s death was a suicide, caused by environmental hypothermia (excessive cold that fatally lowered her body temperature) due to immersion in running water, which was caused by severe diphenhydramine (Benadryl) intoxication.  Diphenhyhdramine is the main drug found in non-prescription sleeping aid medications.  According to Dr. Sperry, the death occurred when Miss Greene inadvertently fell in to a cold stream after intentionally consuming very large quantities of diphenhydramine.  Her face and head were not covered by the water, and she did not drown. 

Miss Greene was last seen on the evening of November 18.  Her body was found by an Athens-Clarke County Police officer in a stream off of The Plaza in Athens on November 19.

Contact Information:

Sherry Lang 404/270-8330