Friends and neighbors are mourning the death of a Spring Valley teenager whose body was found floating near Scripps Pier over the weekend.
Alyssa Pezzoli, 19, was found in the ocean about 100 yards off the pier just north of La Jolla around noon Sunday.
Authorities say Pezzoli lived with her family, on Highlands Boulevard, in Spring Valley. Relatives were not prepared to talk about the young woman’s death but someone inside the home told NBC 7 San Diego “Alyssa was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed.”
Long-time neighbor Carol Jostmeyer said Pezzoli lived with three generations of the same family.
“It’s a huge house. It’s a wonderful family,” she said.
According to officials UC San Diego Police, her death appears to be an accident. While the county medical examiner is still investigating the cause of death, there is no evidence to suggest foul play.
Friends said Pezzoli would often swim in the ocean at night.
Officials have not yet clarified whether Pezzoli had been diving or surfing in the area. It was unclear how long her body had been in the water, but San Diego Lifeguards Lt. Andy Lerum confirmed rigor mortis had set in.