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Investigation Continues Into Death Of Bay County 12 Year Old
Russ Survance
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:20 EDT
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Authorities in Bay County continue investigating the death of 12 year old Olivia Mae Marie Smith after medical officials said the cause of her death has not yet been determined.
The girl died Tuesday night after an incident at a home in Kawkawlin Township. Emergency crews responded following a 911 call reporting that the child was unconscious. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
Bay County Medical Examiner Dr. William Morrone says the case is unusual and that investigators are waiting for the complete autopsy findings before determining how Olivia died. He says additional medical testing is underway and that conclusions will be based on scientific evidence.
The Bay County Sheriff's Office says investigators are reviewing conflicting witness accounts, including reports about whether the girl may have been pursued before the incident. Officials have not confirmed those reports.
Olivia's family has publicly questioned the initial account of what happened and is asking anyone with information or video from that evening to contact investigators.
The medical examiner expects final autopsy results to be available in approximately eight weeks. The investigation remains active.
