A woman was found dead inside the baggage claim machinery at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, and authorities have determined her cause of death as suicide by asphyxiation.

Authorities confirmed the woman's death was the result of hanging, an event that occurred within a restricted area of the airport meant for baggage processing, as Fox News reports.

The 57-year-old woman was discovered “pinned” inside the baggage conveyor belt machinery on Thursday. Early reports indicated that her body was found entangled in the conveyor system that is typically used to move baggage.

Investigation Continues

The incident unraveled in the early hours of Thursday, with the woman reportedly entering a restricted part of O'Hare International Airport just before 2:30 a.m. She was later found by airport security, who pronounced her dead at the scene.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the woman’s death as asphyxiation from hanging, ultimately deemed a suicide. Despite the circumstances being considered, the authorities are still investigating further details surrounding the incident.

Captured on Security Footage

Security footage showed the woman walking into the restricted area, although it did not capture the exact moment of her death. The authorities are trying to piece together her final moments through the existing surveillance footage. A source cited by the Chicago Sun-Times revealed that the woman was trying to gain access to the airport's secure side at various points. However, her motive remains unclear despite these efforts.

At the time of her death, the woman was reportedly wearing flip-flops, and her movements were tracked within several critical points of the airport before she was found. The restricted area where the incident took place is typically off-limits to the general public. With the woman having been found entangled in the machinery, investigators are working to determine how she managed to penetrate the restricted zone and what led to her tragic death.

Authorities Seek Answers

The details surrounding the woman’s attempts to reach the secure side of the airport have puzzled investigators. The source commented, “She was trying to gain access at multiple points. They are not sure what her motive was. She was trying to get to the secure side of the airport.”

Further investigation aims to unearth why the woman was in the restricted area and what she hoped to accomplish.

Secure Area Breach

When the woman’s body was discovered, it raised immediate concerns regarding airport security protocols and how she was able to access a restricted area.

Authorities are examining these security lapses to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Critical Security Measures

The incident has shone a light on the importance of stringent security measures within one of the world's busiest airports.

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport serves as a critical hub, and ensuring the safety and security of its premises is paramount.

Ongoing Efforts

While the medical examiner has determined the cause of death, law enforcement continues to delve deeper into understanding the series of events leading to this heartbreaking outcome.

All factors, including her motive and means of accessing the restricted area, remain under scrutiny.

Airport Operations Continue

Operations at O'Hare have remained unaffected by the incident, with regular functionalities continuing while the investigation unfolds.

The incident, however, has prompted a review of security measures within the facility.

Final Thoughts

The death of a 57-year-old woman found entangled in the baggage machinery at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport has been ruled a suicide by asphyxiation.

Despite ongoing operations at the airport, an extensive investigation is underway to understand how she accessed a restricted area.

Additionally, the inquiry seeks to clarify the deceased woman's motives, ensuring such unfortunate incidents are prevented in the future.