By Steven Hoffman

Staff Writer

A 17-year-old Oxford girl was found dead at Tipton Field on Mount Pleasant Road in East Nottingham Township last Thursday evening.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, troopers were dispatched to Tipton Baseball Field, which is located at the end of a long, muddy lane off Mount Pleasant Road, where they found the body of Courtney Russell shortly before 6 p.m.

State Police Trooper Aaron Botts said that police found Russell between the bleachers and a fence at the field. Other details about the case, including the circumstances that resulted in the initial report to police, are being withheld at this time as police compile evidence in the case.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” Botts said.

Based on preliminary evidence, foul play is not suspected, police said. An autopsy was to be conducted on March 7. A full forensic toxicology analysis was also planned.

Russell, 17, was a senior at Oxford Area High School.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” said Oxford Area School District Superintendent David Woods.

Woods said that the district followed protocol that had been established for situations that might be traumatic for students and made counselors available to anyone who needed help dealing with the tragedy. Members of the local ministerium were in the school as well.

A Facebook page dedicated in “loving memory of Courtney Russell” was set up with friends and family commenting on how much Russell will be missed.

“Rest in peace, Court. I love you & miss you so much,” wrote one friend on the page.

Another friend wrote, “when we're lost and we're missing you...we'll tell ourselves that we were so blessed to have you in our lives.”

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, March 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oxford Presbyterian Church in Oxford. Funeral services and interment will be private.