Susan Byrne, the oldest daughter of former Gov. Brendan Byrne, died the morning of Tuesday, June 27, at Ricchard's shoe store on Nassau Street from a fall down a flight of stairs into the store's basement.
The freelance photographer was discovered sometime later in the morning, with Princeton Borough Police cordoning off most of the area surrounding the shop.
Police could not immediately disclose specific details, and early in the investigation, indicated that a "suspicious death" was being examined, according to Lt. David Dudeck. However, foul play has since been ruled out.
Tara Ng, who is a member of the staff at PJ's Pancake House on Nassau Street, said that Ms. Byrne was removed from Ricchard's and loaded into a black Jeep shortly after 11 p.m.
Bryan Weaver, also part of PJ's wait staff, said that Ms. Byrne had been at the shoe store before opening. Three police cars were on hand when the ambulance arrived, Mr. Weaver said.
Ms. Byrne was an award-winning freelance photographer who had exhibited at local shows. Mr. Byrne told the Star-Ledger that his daughter had been working for real estate agents in the area when she died. She was also known for her fondness for baseball, woodworking, and travel.
She is survived by Mr. Byrne of Short Hills; her mother, Jean Featherly Byrne of Princeton; her step-mother, Ruthi Byrne; three brothers, Brendan "Tom" Byrne Jr. of Princeton, Timothy John Byrne of Princeton, and William Keith "Bill" Byrne of Maplewood; and three sisters, Nancy Jean Byrne of Red Bank, Mary Anne Byrne of South Plainfield, and Barbara Stefan of Cohasset, Mass.
A funeral service was held June 30 at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: SAVE, Friends of Homeless Animals, 701 Mt. Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ 08540; or to Habitat for Humanity of the Trenton Area.