Authorities in Chicago are now considering the death of a woman found inside the baggage claim area of O'Hare International Airport as a suicide. The woman, identified as 57-year-old Virginia Christine Vinton, was discovered "pinned" within the machinery of the baggage conveyor belt on Thursday, according to reports from the Chicago Sun-Times.

The medical examiner's office has determined that Vinton's cause of death was asphyxiation from being hanged, leading them to declare it a suicide. Security footage revealed that Vinton entered the restricted area shortly before 2:30 a.m., wearing flip-flops. She was discovered entangled in the conveyor belt system used for moving baggage by the fire department.

While the footage captured Vinton entering the area, it did not provide any details about how she met her demise, according to The Associated Press. Officials noted that Vinton appeared to be attempting to access multiple points within the area, but her motive for doing so remains uncertain. It is believed that she was trying to reach the secure side of the airport.

Vinton was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities are continuing their efforts to gather more information and understand the events leading up to her tragic end at the busy airport.

The investigation into Vinton's death remains ongoing and further details may emerge as authorities piece together the sequence of events.