The Oak Island Police Department has officially addressed recent public speculation regarding the death of 40-year-old Patrice Jones Bass, whose body was discovered at a residence on the 100 block of Southeast 58th Street on May 17. In a formal statement released this Tuesday, authorities clarified that there is currently no evidence of foul play connected to the tragedy. While the investigation remains active, officials emphasized that the case has not been classified as a homicide, as no findings collected at the scene have indicated signs of violence or criminal intent.
The department provided a comprehensive overview of how they handled the initial response to the incident. According to the report, eight police officers, alongside members of the Brunswick County EMS and the Oak Island Fire Department, arrived at the home immediately upon receiving the call. Following the discovery, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division performed an exhaustive search of the property, canvassed the surrounding neighborhood for witnesses, and conducted multiple interviews to piece together the events leading to the discovery of the victim.
Medical findings appear to point toward a tragic accident rather than a criminal act. Preliminary reports provided by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicate that the injuries sustained by Bass are consistent with those caused by a fall. Currently, the department is waiting for the final, comprehensive autopsy and toxicology results to close the file. Unless new evidence surfaces during this final analytical phase, the case will strictly continue to be treated as a death investigation.
Responding to concerns about why the incident was not initially publicized, the Oak Island Police Department cited a standard commitment to the privacy of the families involved. Officials stated that, out of respect for those grieving, the department does not publish details regarding death investigations unless the circumstances present an active or immediate threat to public safety. This policy is intended to prevent unnecessary distress to those affected while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing fact-finding process.
The department also used the statement to push back against a recent article that questioned their transparency and professional handling of the case. Oak Island officials labeled the report as an example of “tabloidism,” specifically disputing the publication’s claim that town officials had ignored or refused to answer inquiries. According to the police, the author of the article reached out to town officials during the Independence Day holiday, a time when municipal offices were closed.
Despite the holiday closure, the town’s communications manager attempted to interact with the reporter, explaining that a response would be forthcoming once the offices reopened. Concluding their statement, the Town of Oak Island reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate, transparent information to the public. They emphasized their focus on responsible community policing and noted their willingness to cooperate with legitimate, unbiased news sources while rejecting efforts to spread unsubstantiated narratives.