Police Seek Help Investigating Death

SEATTLE

Witnesses are being sought to help determine events leading to the death of a woman who fell from an overpass in south Seattle early Saturday morning.

Ellen M. Fanning, 45, who also used the last name Noel, died when she fell from the west side of the overpass that runs from the 4100 to 4400 blocks of First Avenue South. The overpass spans the Union Pacific Seattle freight yards.

Fanning's husband, 32, was arrested and booked for investigation of homicide. He was found with blood on his chest and arms when he called police the night of the death. He told officers he attempted to grab his wife when she tried to jump, according to Seattle homicide Sgt. Dave Ritter.

Fanning once earlier attempted suicide and that was reported to police, Ritter said. An autopsy determined she died of skull fractures.

She died about 2 a.m. Saturday. Detectives would like to talk to anyone who may have seen the couple on the bridge. It is uncertain what they were doing there, Ritter said.

Homicide detectives Jim Yoshida or Steve Kirkland can be reached at 684-5550.