Michelle Montgomery, a 39-year-old mother from East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, was found dead inside a NYCHA building, and authorities now believe her death was a tragic accident

Her remains were discovered on February 1 inside a black bag in the compactor room of 330 Bushwick by NYCHA workers who were cleaning at around 9:30 a.m. Initially, there were concerns about foul play, but police now say the incident appears to have been caused by an accidental fall.

Police believe Montgomery may have dropped an item — likely her purse — into the building’s garbage chute and climbed in to retrieve it. During the process, she fell headfirst and ended up in the compactor room two floors below, where she was crushed.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny explained the injuries: “She had multiple puncture wounds and slashes, deep slashes to the right torso, right side of the head, punctures to the upper thigh and pelvis, and multiple broken bones, including her rib cage. The medical examiner concluded she was alive while in the compactor, and her injuries are consistent with being crushed.”

Footage shows Montgomery entering the building at around 1:39 a.m., hours after leaving a bar the night before. Residents reported hearing screams from the trash chute, suggesting she may have been trapped inside before the compactor activated. Police later found her purse in the compactor room, supporting the theory that she had been trying to retrieve it.

Chief Kenny added, “Our theory right now is that she may have dropped an item into the chute and went to retrieve it, falling into the chute and ending up in the compactor. It’s a tragic accident.”

Montgomery’s partner told ABC News, “She left this house vibrant, happy, and alive.” Authorities confirmed that there is no evidence of foul play, and the medical examiner has ruled the death accidental.