Body pulled from Falls Lake identified as 19-year-old woman

According to Sheriff Donnie Harrison, a group of men were riding four-wheelers on Choplin Road at about 5:25 p.m. when they thought they saw someone swimming in the water. When they looked closer, the men realized the woman was floating and they dialed 911.

The woman was identified as Annalisa Christine Schulze, 19, of 7109 Avborough Court Wake Forest. The body will be sent to the Medical Examiners Office to determine cause of death.

Harrison said that deputies do not know how Schulze died and the incident is being treated as a homicide investigation until there is proof it was not.

Deputies said a tent and camp site were found nearby, but they are not sure if it is connected with the Schulze.

"There is a tent close by, but we can't go into that tent until we get a search warrant and that is why we are waiting to see if there might be some ID in the tent," Harrison said. "The tent may have nothing to do with the body recovered, but until we get in there and find out, then we will know."

Harrison said he did not know how long Schulze was in the water before her body was discovered and authorities are not sure if foul play was involved in her death.

"That is why I am so anxious to get in that tent, to see if maybe she was camping out and if there is a phone number or a phone," Harrison said. "Then, on the other hand, like I said, the tent may have nothing to do with it."

Authorities obtained a warrant late Tuesday night and began searching the tent, but did not immediately reveal what, if anything, they found.

Schulze's family friend and neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was a rising sophomore at East Carolina University studying sociology. She had planned to return to classes in Greenville next week.

She was an active member of Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, where she participated in youth mission trips.

The neighbor described her as "a highly gifted student," who was involved in karate, music, art and dance.

"She had a big heart and a passion to help those who are struggling."