Body found in pond identified as missing Lynn teen

SAUGUS - A body found in Walden Pond on the Saugus-Lynnfield line Tuesday afternoon has been identified as missing Lynn teenager Brian Lopez.

Brian Lopez, 17, hadn't been seen since Friday. He was last seen on surveillance video leaving his home and walking toward the Lynn woods. A witness who recognized Lopez from the footage said she saw him in the woods.

Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker announced Tuesday evening that the body had been "tentatively identified" as that of Brian Lopez.

Lopez's phone was found discarded on Gardiner Street in Lynn. Lopez's family said it's odd that he would be without his phone.

Lynn Police Chief Chris Reddy said the search initially started in the Lynn Woods, and searchers used planes, bicycles, ATVs, drones and dogs to try to find Lopez. Ultimately, Lopez's body was spotted by a group of young men who were going fishing in Walden Pond.

"Sadly, the outcome was not what we wanted when he was found in Walden Pond late this afternoon," Reddy said.

Early on Tuesday, Lopez's brother said they were hoping he would be found safe. Lopez's family set up search parties throughout the weekend. Walden Pond is part of the city of Lynn's reservoir system, and swimming is not allowed, although hiking and fishing are permitted.

Tucker said the body will not formally be identified until the medical examiner confirms the identity. However, he said, the body was identified by clothing and personal accessories, including Lopez's backpack.

Although investigators are not sure how Lopez ended up in the water, Tucker said, "There's no threat to the public, and we don't believe anyone else was involved."