SIDNEY, Neb. – Authorities have released the results of an autopsy for 24-year-old Mattea Scheuerman, of Sidney, whose body was discovered June 3 in a drainage ditch near the BNSF railroad tracks at 7th Ave. and Maple St. in Sidney.

According to the Cheyenne County Attorney’s Office, Scheuerman died of drowning while intoxicated on diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in over-the-counter sleep medications. The findings were confirmed following toxicology testing conducted at NMS Labs.

Investigators said numerous items were collected at the scene, including an unopened bottle of Nyquil, a nearly empty bottle of Equate Sleep Aid and bottles of Mountain Dew. Surveillance and purchase records confirmed Scheuerman had purchased the sleep aid and related items at a Sidney grocery store prior to her death.

A witness statement also indicated Scheuerman was acting independently and not under duress.

An autopsy conducted June 5 at the Weld County Coroner’s Office found no evidence of trauma or a struggle. Pink-purple material consistent with the sleep aid was found in her stomach, aligning with the toxicology results.

“We know there have been a lot of rumors and speculation,” the county attorney’s office said in a statement. “It is our intention with this information to provide clarity and assuage those concerns.”

Authorities said an exhaustive investigation has ruled out foul play.

Scheuerman, a 2019 graduate of Sidney High School, was identified by family on June 4. Her death sparked an outpouring of community concern and tips to law enforcement, which officials said aided in the investigation.