Death of woman found on beach still a mystery, police say

Newport Beach police described the death of a 20-year-old woman found in the sand at Newport Beach "suspicious" and are trying to determine how she died.

Authorities stressed they have not determined it to be a homicide and are awaiting results of an autopsy.

Tina Hoang’s body was discovered by passersby about 6 a.m. Monday face down in the sand near West Oceanfront and Highland Street, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.

When police and firefighters arrived at the scene near Lifeguard Tower 71, they said, they found her dead.

On Thursday, police released two photos of Hoang in which a tattoo of stars and flowers can be seen near her right eye.

She was described as Asian, about 5 foot 2 with a thin build.

Police ask that anyone who may have seen Hoang before her death call (800) 550-NBPD.

Anonymous tips are accepted.

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Photo: Tina Hoang. Credit: Newport Beach Police Department