What happened?

The Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the unexplained death of Diane Coates, 47.

On Friday evening, Mrs. Coates suddenly collapsed during a reception for the Barksdale Literature Conference.

EMTs transported her to the local hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.

Mrs. Coates was the special events assistant for the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education at the University of Mississippi.

Where do you start?

To begin your investigation, click the Start Case button above to view the case files from Day 1.

Detective’s Tip: This is a chronological summary of the case without spoilers. It updates as you progress.

What's happened so far?

Investigation Day 1

Emergency Services received a 911 call reporting a woman had collapsed suddenly during a reception at the Yoknapatawpha County Conference Center. EMTs treated her at the location and transported her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Detectives were dispatched to the scene to investigate.

After reviewing what other officers learned while canvassing witnesses at the scene, Detectives Armstrong and Murphy spoke to Diane’s boss, Sandra Moss, and the man who provided first aid until the EMTs arrived.

Detective’s Tip: Review police reports, forensics, and more to assess where the evidence leads.