Woman died from overdose, hypothermia

Sevierville is less than 20 miles away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.
Sevierville is less than 20 miles away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. -- A North Carolina woman known for her nature blogging on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park whose body was found in June in a creek died from hypothermia and an apparent "intentional" overdose of Benadryl, authorities said Monday.

The body of Susan J. Bennett, 62, who was known as Jenny, of Sylva, N.C., was found June 8 by searchers in the Greenbrier area of the park.

"Bennett was found in a sitting position in the creek with her head resting on rocks," states a release from the park.

A search was launched for Bennett after she was reported missing. Authorities found her vehicle in the park.

An autopsy determined Bennett died from "partial submersion in Porter's Creek," according to the news release.

Bennett had "a toxic level of diphenhydramine in her blood, which is considered a significant contributing factor in her death and points toward an intentional overdose," the release said.

Upcoming Events