Police Confirm Elizabeth Lynch-Gonzalez's Body Washes Ashore

The body of 19-year-old Elizabeth Lynch-Gonzalez, a resident of Shrub Oak who jumped from the Tappan Zee bridge this morning, washed ashore on the banks of the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry's Waterfront Park this afternoon.

Students at Lakeland High School, where Lynch-Gonzalez was a member of the Class of 2009, expressed shock and sadness. School officials made an announcement over the system to students during the first period in school this morning and everybody took a moment of silence. 

"If you walked down the hallway, you could hear people bursting into tears," said Nadia Silvestre, freshman at Lakeland High School.

Ruben Caban, senior, said he was good friends with Lynch-Gonzalez, whom he knew for two years. He described her as a vibrant and happy person. 

"I saw her yesterday at school, and I didn't sense anything of her that she might commit suicide," Caban said. 

He said she was excited to come home. 

"Everybody who is close to her gathered in the auditorium to help one another cope with the loss," Caban said. 

Lynch-Gonzalez was a private with the United States Army. Her mother, Mary Ellen Lynch, said her daughter was upset when she learned her assignment order had been changed- she was due to ship to Texas today. 

"She deserved the best," she said.

James Van Develde, director of public information for the district, said there was grief counseling on-going throughout the regular school day. Their crisis intervention team also provided counseling to current and former students after school from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

"It's a tragic situation," he said. "There is no other way to put it." 

Lynch-Gonzalez's body has been transported to the Westchester County Examiners Office in Valhalla for autopsy, a report on the matter will be released tomorrow. Police said that recovery was aided by a smooth river and currents that were not strong.

Lakeland High School Principal Cheryl Champ said Lynch-Gonzalez was a skilled athlete, playing both varsity field hockey and lacrosse. She was elected to student government in her senior year.

"Elizabeth was lively, energetic, and brought a smile to everyone's face and had a wide circle of friends," Champ said.