Authorities have identified the human remains found near Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island home.
After several outlets reported on the remains last month, the South Kingstown Police Department revealed in a June 13 statement that the remains belonged to 31-year-old Eric Wein of Massachusetts.
“After working closely with the Mansfield Police Department and the Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiners, the South Kingstown Police Department has formally concluded its investigation,” the statement read. “No foul play is suspected.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wein’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
Wein’s remains washed ashore on May 14 in Westerly, Rhode Island, which includes the wealthy enclave of Watch Hill, where Swift owns her sprawling residence.
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The home, called “Holiday House,” inspired the fan favorite hit song, including “The Last Great American Dynasty” from her 2020 album “Folklore.” The home even inspired beloved New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry’s newest book, “Great Big Beautiful Life.”
Henry’s book, released April 22, follows Alice and Hayden, two journalists vying for the chance to write a blockbuster celebrity memoir.
The “Beach Read” author revealed in an interview earlier this year that she drew the story from several real-life tales, including Swift’s 2020 song, which is about her Westerly mansion’s previous owner, Rebekah Harkness.
“I love that song, and love the story behind it,” she told E! News in April. “Every once in a while, I find myself back on the Wikipedia page, just reading through. I just find those kinds of larger-than-life families really, really intriguing.”
“Holiday House” also inspired possible Rhode Island legislation that would enact a “Taylor Swift tax,” officially called the “non-owner-occupied tax,” which applies to all residential properties assessed at more than $1 million that do not serve as a primary dwelling.
To qualify as a primary residence, an owner has to live there more than half the year, or 183 days. By this criteria, Swift would owe Rhode Island around $136,000 in new taxes on her Watch Hill mansion if a new charge to high-end vacation homes proposed in the House version of the state budget passes.
Contributing: Patrick Anderson, Providence Journal; Melina Khan, USA TODAY NETWORK – New England
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island home: Human remains found nearby identified
