WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – After a five-day search at Hampton Ponds in Westfield, a body believed to be a missing canoeist has been recovered.
Search continues for missing Westfield canoeist
A 20-year-old East Longmeadow man had been missing since Wednesday. According to Westfield Fire Chief Patrick M. Egloff, the body of an adult male was pulled from the water by Westfield firefighters shortly before 11:00 a.m. this Sunday morning. “It was very important for all of us to undertake this process with respect and dignity for the deceased,” he said.
“On behalf of the Westfield Fire Department and all of our partner agencies, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family of this young man,” added Chief Egloff. “This is a very sad day, but I hope they can take comfort in knowing that people in western Massachusetts supported the efforts to find their loved one.”
Several local, regional and state agencies coordinated the recovery effort, including the Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Chicopee Police Department, Granby Fire Department , Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Northampton Fire Department, South Hadley Fire Department, Southwick. Western Massachusetts Police Department and Regional Dive Team. Their efforts were supported by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Fire Department.
Mario Santaniello, a professional bass fisherman, attended the search with his sonar equipment this Sunday morning and played an important role in the search.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will make a formal identification. In the case of all unaddressed deaths in Hampden County, investigations are being conducted by District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s office and the Hampden County State Police Detective Unit.
