'The Search For My Sister Has Come To A Close': Brother's Tragic Message After East Norwich Woman Found Dead

OYSTER BAY, NY — After a three-week search, Brittany Kritis-Garip of East Norwich has been found deceased, police said.

A woman whose body was found in the Long Island Sound off Lloyd Harbor Road earlier this week has been identified as a 32-year-old East Norwich resident, and detectives believe her death is non-criminal, Suffolk County police said.

On April 15, Brittany Kritis-Garip was identified as the woman who was recovered from the water on Monday evening, police said.

Her disappearance resulted in community searches, police efforts, and family pleas as the outpouring of support for the 32-year-old woman and her family was felt across Long Island.

Brittany was last seen on foot in Oyster Bay and reported to Nassau County police as missing on the evening of March 20.

A Facebook group called The Search for Brittany Kritis-Garip, Nassau County Missing Person was started with the goal of finding Brittany.

The public group currently has 1.4k followers. Her brother and Oyster Bay resident, Niko Kritis-Garip, shared a heartfelt message on the group's Facebook page after she was found.

"The search for my sister has come to a close," he wrote. "Brittany was, and will always be, a light in the lives of everyone she met. Her warmth, kindness, and spirit left a lasting mark on so many people. That light does not disappear—it lives on in all of us who knew and loved her."

He added how thankful the family was for the outpouring of community support throughout the past month: "We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support throughout this search. From prayers and messages to the countless people who gave their time, energy, and resources to help bring Brittany home — thank you. The visibility, care, and compassion shown by this community meant more than we can fully express.

"As we move forward, our focus shifts from searching to mourning, remembering, and honoring Brittany’s life. We kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time as we begin to process this loss."

Kritis-Garip previously told Patch he wanted his sister home safely more than anything.

"Brittany is one of the kindest, most loving, and considerate people you could ever meet," he said. "She lights up the lives of everyone around her, and we are deeply worried. We just want her home safe."

During the course of the weeks-long search, her brother told Patch that Brittany may have been disoriented and frightened, and clarified that "she is in need of help."

He said his family's priority was always bringing her home.

"Please continue to keep Brittany in your thoughts and prayers. We will carry her with us, always," he wrote.