Bestselling German author Alexandra Fröhlich found dead on Hamburg houseboat

The city of Hamburg remains in shock following the tragic discovery of bestselling novelist Alexandra Fröhlich, 58, who was found dead on her houseboat.

Authorities have confirmed that she was the victim of a violent crime, though details surrounding her death remain scarce as the investigation unfolds, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

Fröhlich, known for works such as Gestorben wird immer (2016) (Death is always there) and Meine russische Schwiegermutter und andere Katastrophen (2012) (My Russian mother-in-law and other disasters), was found on her pink houseboat in the district of Moorfleet. The police investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement officials from the homicide division (LKA 41) remaining tight-lipped on specifics due to tactical reasons.

Initial reports indicate that a gunshot was heard around 1:30 AM, but there appeared to be no immediate response. It was not until 5:20 AM that one of Fröhlich’s three sons alerted Hamburg police. Paramedics who arrived at the scene confirmed her death.

Authorities have yet to clarify the circumstances of the four-hour gap between the shooting and the emergency call. It appears that no one noticed the unfolding tragedy until the alarm was raised. The houseboat, a converted Elbe cargo vessel with large portholes, had been Fröhlich's refuge since she moved in with her children six months ago.

Forensic teams conducted an extensive search of the boat, employing a 3D scanner to look for blood and fibre traces, as well as other evidence. Investigators have also reportedly turned their focus to the author’s family, with samples taken from a relative’s hands to check for gunshot residue. 

Meanwhile, divers from the state police searched the bottom of the Alte Dove-Elbe river for the murder weapon. However, no further updates have been released regarding the weapon’s discovery.

As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered regarding the tragic fate of the popular author.

By Aghakazim Guliyev