Westport Woman's Death Ruled 'Accidental'

Cindy D'Aiuto, the Westport woman whose body was found in a parking lot Tuesday morning, died of hypothermia after trying to climb a snow bank while walking to a friend's house, police announced Wednesday afternoon. 

D'Aiuto's body was found in a parking lot at 166 Kings Highway N. by a Connecticut Post newspaper carrier. New information released by police Wednesday says D'Aiuto was seen at about 11:30 p.m. Monday walking along North Kings Highway, wearing pajama pants, a winter coat and a winter hat — the clothing she was wearing when her body was found. She also was wearing boots, not slippers as had been stated in earlier reports.

Police believe D'Aiuto was walking to a friend's house nearby and that she tried to climb a snow bank at the back of the parking lot. It appears she was trapped in waist deep snow but was able to get back to the pavement.

Underlying medical issues may have played a role in her death, said the Connecticut Medical Examiner's Office, which performed an autopsy Wednesday.  

Detectives were trying to determine whether the weather conditions or some other factors were reasons for D’Aiuto walking in the parking lot, police said. 

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