Nearly a month after 21-year-old Asia Zolliecoffer was found unconscious in a Rusk County yard, her death remains under investigation as her family and friends continue seeking answers about what happened.
According to Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, deputies, firefighters and highway patrol officers responded Aug. 16 to a fire call and welfare concern. A woman was found unconscious in a yard near a home on FM 4151.
“She was given several doses of Narcan, which she came back around a little enough to where we got her name,” Valdez said. “She was then transported by EMS to a hospital where life-saving measures were unsuccessful.”
Valdez said the autopsy results and the toxicology report are still pending.
“We’re going to produce the best possible case for this young lady. That’s what our job is. We are now working for her, and sometimes that takes time,” Valdez said.
He said that at this time they have leads, but it will not be until they have those reports that they will know which direction to take the investigation.
Zolliecoffer’s family says the wait has been difficult.
“We want answers and justice because Asia can’t speak for herself anymore,” her sister, India Zolliecoffer, said. “We have to be her voice.”
Family members and friends have also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Zolliecoffer’s death, including what happened before first responders arrived.
Her longtime friend, Audrey Chumley, said she is focused on remembering Zolliecoffer for who she was.
“I remember Asia in every single thing that I do,” Chumley said. “I try to think about what would Asia want me to do in this situation.”
India said her sister would want her loved ones to keep living their lives.
“She would want us to be happy because she’s with her dad,” India said.
The family is asking anyone with information about Zolliecoffer’s death to come forward.
“If you feel like you know anything or details, can you please speak up?” India said.