Drugs, Alcohol Implicated in Verplanck Woman's Death

Drugs and alcohol probably played a part in the death of a Verplanck resident at a motel in Putnam County, according to Putnam Sheriff Donald B. Smith.

Michelle L. Van Tassel, 45, was found dead at the Countryside Motel in Philipstown at 8:55 a.m. Sept. 18. Police had received a 911 call sending them to the motel to help an unconscious, unresponsive person.

They also found bottles of prescription medication and partially empty bottles of liquor in the room.

An autopsy Thursday evening found no signs of trauma or other kinds of foul play, police said; the medical examiner has ordered toxicology tests. The report could take four to six weeks, police said.