? Marine biologists are trying to unravel the mystery of a dead whale that washed ashore in Spring Lake Saturday.

Researchers from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine took measurements and tissue samples of the whale, which weighs several tons. They believe it was a minke, which is not uncommon to the area.

Bystanders said they were sad to see such a beautiful creature dead. Volunteers plan to bury the whale close to where it washed up at the beach once the investigation is complete.