A search continues for the identity of a young woman who died by the side of Interstate 65 Monday night in Bartholomew County.

Bartholomew County Coroner Clayton Nolting says an autopsy yesterday determined that the unidentified woman died of blunt force trauma to the chest and abdomen.

Authorities are releasing photos of the woman’s tattoos, in the hopes that someone will help to identify her.

Columbus police say the woman is Hispanic with a lip piercing. She appears to be between 20 and 30 years old. She was found wearing a maroon colored sweatshirt, tan pants and black tennis shoes.

Lt. Matt Harris with the Columbus police says officers were called to the northbound lanes of the highway near the Walesboro exit, at about 8:45 p.m. Monday night on a report of a deceased woman on the shoulder of the road. She was found a short time later.

Anyone who was traveling in the area between 8 and 8:45 p.m. on Monday evening and saw either a vehicle parked on or near the interstate or the woman walking in the area is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600. Tips and information can be left anonymously.